Dunne Academy student recognized for efforts to include everyone

Amy Bishop of Dunne Academy was one of 15 recipients of the provincial government’s 2023 Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Leadership Bursary. Pictured is Bishop, along with Heather Squires, being recognised by 4H Canada for successful provincial demonstrations. From left to right is Summerside Rockets 4H Club coordinator Clifford Bursey, Amy Bishop, Heather Squires, and Nancy Murphy, who is chairperson of 4H Newfoundland and Labrador. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb / June 23, 2023

Graduating Dunne Academy, St. Marys, student Amy Bishop was recently awarded a Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Leadership Bursary from the provincial government.

“I was really honoured,” said Bishop. “When I put my application in, I didn’t think I would win. I’m from a small school and a small area, so it sometimes feels hard to make a difference. But when I found out I had won this award, I was overjoyed.”

Bishop is a member of a number of clubs within her school that plan events and activities for students, such as Participation Nation program.

“Inclusion is a really big part of this program because we all want kids to feel safe, especially at school,” said Bishop. “School should be a positive environment, and having these programs can help make our schools more positive.”

Bishop is also involved in the school’s leadership team, a group that plans school events, and an anti-bullying group.

“I’m so glad for the opportunity to have these programs in my school, so I can help make a change,” said Bishop.

Bishop said that it’s important to help all students feel included, especially younger students.

“What kid wants to go to a school where they feel left out or uncared for? I mean, I wouldn’t want to be in an environment like that,” said Bishop. “It’s really important to make a positive impact on kids, especially at such a young age. Maybe they’ll think, ‘I do like school, and when I get in high school, I want to be involved in all these activities.’ And so, I really strive to create change that is important to me.”

Bishop graduates this year and plans on attending dental school in the near future.

She is one of 15 graduating students being recognised from across the province, and for being named a recipient will receive a $500 scholarship.

Witless Bay delays public meeting

By Mark Squibb / June 16, 2023

Witless Bay council was scheduled to meet this Wednesday, June 14, but delayed the session as no one was available to take the minutes.

The meeting has been tentatively rescheduled for next Thursday evening, June 22.

Council of old would meet on the second Tuesday of each month, and though the newly elected council has not officially changed that schedule, meetings have been held more erratically, with council sometimes meeting as many as three times a month, and sometimes just once. There also seems to be no set day for the regularly scheduled meetings — meetings from January through to June have alternated between Tuesday and Thursday nights. Prior meetings have also been held on Monday, Wednesday, and even Friday nights.

The Town typically posts the meeting agenda to its Facebook page the day of the public meeting. The last public meeting was held on Tuesday, May 9.

Colony of Avalon shakes off social media hack

Meanwhile, history and fantasy collide in new Colony program

By Mark Squibb / June 23, 2023

The Colony of Avalon is not in the bitcoin business — despite a message you may have received from its Twitter account to the contrary last weekend.

“We actually don’t use Twitter as our main form of communication with the public, we are starting to get back into that, but it had been dormant for a little while, but we started getting messages from our followers saying, ‘Hey, I think you guys have been hacked,’” said Executive Director Kate Pitcher. “And so, we looked into it, and sure enough, some guy had gone into our Twitter, changed the password on us, and started messaging all of our followers with bitcoin information.”

Pitcher said the Colony has since been able to get back into the account and staff are updating security measures.

“Our followers are really great and reached out to us rather than assuming the worst,” said Pitcher.

And so, while the Colony is not in the business of peddling bitcoin, staff are certainly busy — the Colony opened for the tourism season this Tuesday, June 13.

“Our tours have been booming, we’ve had so many people come down already,” said Pitcher.

Last summer the Colony saw an uptake in visitors as pandemic hesitancy wound down, and Pitcher expects more of the same this summer, especially as the Colony introduces new programs.

One of those new programs is a weekly Dungeons and Dragons afternoon, in which folks can rent out the Colony’s 17th century kitchen to play the popular tabletop role-playing game.

“Once a week we book off the kitchen for those three hours for novices, pros, or anyone that wants to join in, to come play a game of Dungeons and Dragons,” said Pitcher. “But our twist on it is that we’re using historical figures and tying it back into history, and so it’s a bit more engaging. During that time, the hearth will be on, and so the fire will be crackling in the background, and chefs will be cooking some porridge for our hungry explorers.”

Only one company available for Bay Bulls trail design

By Mark Squibb / June 16, 2023

Bay Bulls council this week awarded the engineering design contract for phase 2 of the Long Pond Walking Trail project, and it seemed only one company was available for the work.

Councillor Corey Ronayne moved that council award the contract to Mills & Wright for a total cost of $17,495, plus HST.

Royane asked staff whether any another companies had submitted quotes, and Town manager Jennifer Aspell replied in the negative.

“We did quite a bit of contacting other municipalities and a number of different organizations, and there was only a couple of potential providers that were recommended,” said Aspell. “And we can’t become members of the Grand Concourse due to the existing trail design, so that eliminated that option, which left us with just one real choice. But they have done quite a bit, and the few municipalities that have used them have highly recommended them.”

Work on the design began back in 2020 and the trail will be a combination of compacted granular stone and a boardwalk with a focus on accessibility.

Phase I of the project was cost shared by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments under a Municipal Capital Works program, with each government paying a third of the cost, which works out to $143,702 each for a total of $475,444 (less HST). Phase II is valued at $144,229, and of that cost, the Town only has to contribute $14,422, which is 10 per cent. The rest of the cost was covered by provincial COVID Stimulus Funding.

Bay Bulls increases contribution to Canada Day celebrations

Councillors curious whether other towns are contributing

By Mark Squibb / June 16, 2023

The Town of Bay Bulls will be supporting the Bay Bulls Bauline Athletic Association (BBBAA) to the tune of $1,400 to help cover the costs of the group’s annual Canada Day celebrations.

The matter was up for discussion at this week’s public meeting.

Councilor Corey Ronayne asked how much council typically donates. CAO Jennifer Aspell said the Town typically earmarks $1,000 for the event, and that last year the BBBAA had requested $800.

Councillor Shannon O’Driscoll asked if anyone knew whether the BBBAA has requested funds from any neighbouring communities.

“We don’t know,” said Aspell. “But the letter indicates that the cost share will be between the Town of Bay Bulls, the BBBAA, and the grant money that they’ve received. So, there’s no indication that the Town of Witless Bay is contributing. I can’t confirm whether they were asked.”

Ronayne asked where the event was being held, and Aspell said it will be held in Bay Bulls, although the letter didn’t indicate exactly where.

The motion passed unanimously, excepting Mayor Keith O’Driscoll and councillor Jason Sullivan, who were both absent from the meeting and thus did not vote.

“I think that this is a good event for families, I’m just hoping that our neighbouring towns contribute as well,” said O’Driscoll.

Ronayne suggested that council write the BBBAA and ask whether other communities were asked to contribute.

An initial motion to contribute $2,686, which opened the floor for discussion, was rejected unanimously.

Last year, Witless Bay council chose to deny the BBBAA Canada Day funding request, though it was a narrow vote. Alex Troake, who has since resigned from council, put forward the motion to deny the funding request back in 2022. Councillors Jacob Hayden, Ralph Carey, and Mayor Trevor Croft voted against the motion, while Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard, and councillors Alex Troake and Gerard Dunne voted in favour of the motion to deny the funding. Councillor Nancy Burke was not present for the vote, and thus the vote remained 3-3, and the motion was defeated.

A new motion to financially support the event was never made.

Witless Bay council has also yet to decide whether they will continue to support the organization financially this year through a signed MOU.

A previous MOU, which saw council contribute $37,000 annually to the organization, expired at the close of 2022, and though the item has appeared on the agenda a number of times, a vote on it has been delayed each time.

The Town of Bay Bulls meanwhile has continued to support the organization financially through an MOU as per usual.

When asked, Witless Bay Mayor Trevor Croft said he was not sure if his Town had received a request from the BBBAA for Canada Day support.

The Irish Loop Post could not confirm with the BBBAA whether it had requested funds from Witless Bay for the event.

Mock disaster shows students consequences of impaired and reckless driving

With assistance from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, members of the Goulds fire department, Barrett’s Funeral Home, the RNC, St. John Ambulance, and Eastern Health, St. Kevin’s High School last week hosted a mock disaster to show students the consequences of impaired and reckless driving. The school typically hosts a mock disaster every three to four years. “The whole idea is to educate students and raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, whether of alcohol or drugs, and especially of distracted driving,” said St. Kevin’s teacher Nicole Clarke. “It shows them what could be the worst-case scenario.” Roughly 10 students participated in the demonstration, and those students began meeting with Gerry Antle of the Goulds Fire Department back in late April to begin planning the event. Submitted photo

St. Kevin’s students share an explosion of art during special exhibit

Jayden Butt played guitar at the St. Kevin’s High School special arts exhibition last week, including a cover of Metallica’s “Pulling Teeth,” a deep cut from their 1983 debut album. Submitted photo.

By Mark Squibb / June 9, 2023

St. Kevin’s High students were given an opportunity to share their artistic talents and abilities with their friends and families last Thursday night as the school hosted it’s second annual ‘Evening of the Arts’ exhibition.

“It’s a really awesome event, and a chance for students to really showcase their skills and talents,” said art teacher Tracy Nixon. “And the best part for me is seeing students faces when the pieces all go up, and their families come visit, and everyone can really share in their joys and their accomplishments.”

Nixon came up with the idea to host an exhibit last year because she was frustrated that so many of the students’ art projects are hidden away in classrooms and not displayed openly for others to enjoy.

“There’s so much creativity within the school, and as an art teacher it’s so hard, because students do their art projects, but then they don’t get to share them with anyone,” said Nixon. “And so, I wanted to showcase the students’ art, and I thought, ‘What better way to do it than combine it with music and drama as well?’”

Nixon tucks away each of her student’s art pieces from the very beginning of the school year and saves them for the end-of-year display gallery.

The artworks, well over 500 pieces of original art all told, went on display at 6 p.m., Thursday evening in the school’s gymnasium. Amongst the many pieces were glass mosaics, pieces of embossed metals, portraits and landscapes in pencil, children’s books written and designed by students, stained glass, cross stitch keychains, and toilet paper food sculptures (yes, you read that right, and yes, they look delicious.)

Following the gallery viewing, the performance arts portion of the evening kicked off at 7 p.m.

The evening’s show featured students exhibiting a wide array of musical talents as the Concert Band, Concert Choir, and individual students performed the music of contemporary artists such as Metallica, Joni Mitchell, Miley Cyrus, Loretta Lynn, and ABBA, as well as of classical composers such as Franz Liszt and Claude Debussy. Interspersed between musical performances were scenes from Free Trial, a drama written by St. Kevin’s High teacher Greg White which recently won a number of awards at the Provincial Theatre Arts Festival.

There was plenty of behind-the-scenes work to make the evening a success, from rehearsals to poster design to set up, but Nixon said the students are eager to get involved and help however they can, and they take great pride in their accomplishments.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for students to try something new, and showcase some of their hidden skills and talents,” said Nixon. “And some of my students do perform outside of the school, but it’s nice to give that opportunity to them within the school for inclusivity, to offer diversity, and to show the different types of programming that the school does offer… Not only do we get to celebrate the students, but the students get to celebrate themselves, and really get to applaud. And we really do get to include everyone, which is fabulous.”

St. Kevin’s GSA Club hosts third annual pride parade

Members of St. Kevin’s High School Gay Straight Alliance/Social Justice Club held a brief flag raising ceremony outside the school Monday prior to the third annual Pride Parade. Members of the club, which was first formed some 15 years ago, were joined by many other students for the march through the Goulds. In the back, from left to right, are Marty Murphy, Sam Gard, Emily Putt, Sam Breen, Mr. Ed Foley, and Ms. Tracy Nixon. In the middle row, from left to right, are Stacey O'Brien, Emily Best, Julia Daley, Cordelia Humphries, Ms. Donna Walsh, and Ms. Nicole Clarke. In the front, from left to right, are Brianna Howlett, Alix Guest, Autumn Clarke, Maddie Whelan, Nadia White, and Keylie Chaulk. Mark Squibb photo.

By Mark Squibb / June 9, 2023

Overcast skies did little to dampen the spirits of St. Kevin’s High School students who marched in the school’s third annual Pride Parade on Monday.

The school’s Gay Straight Alliance/ Social Justice Group hosted the parade to mark Pride Month celebrations, and some 40 students and teachers, many dressed in colorful outfits and waving pride flags, marched through the Goulds proudly declaring their support of the LGBTQ community.

“It’s important to know that you’re not alone,” said Grade 9 student Nadia White. “A lot of people do struggle with their identity and knowing that there are other people out there who are struggling with you really helps.”

Pride Month is held across North America and Europe each June to honour the 1969 Manhattan Stonewall Uprising, a series of riots and protests that erupted after New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a Greenwich Village gay club, and arrested several patrons and charged them with engaging in homosexual behaviour, which, at the time, was still illegal.

That same year, Canada decriminalized homosexual activity, although the Supreme Court of Canada did not recognize sexual orientation as a protected right until 1995.

In 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

“Homophobia will never end,” said Grade 9 student Maddie Whelan “So this is to raise awareness, and to help other people who are struggling, and maybe are in abusive households.”

Students suggested that folks in the community participate in local pride events, because a little support goes a long way.

“It’s good to feel acknowledged, and to be recognised, and to know that we’re seen and not alone,” said Grade 9 student Autumn Clarke, who also encouraged people to educate themselves about the issues before making a comment that they can’t take back.

When asked how people can support the LGBTQ community Pride Month, Grade 9 student Alix Guest offered a succinct piece of advice. “Put flags up— and don’t be rude.”

Broncos basketball team ends season on decibel ringing note

The Southern Shore’s Baltimore Broncos are provincial champions after winning the AA Boys Basketball tournament this past weekend at their home gym in Ferryland. In the back row, from left to right, are: coach Wendy Walsh, Kegan Goodridge, Nathan Crane, Ashton Crane, Carter Coady, Jeremiah Ryan, and coach Liam Walsh; in the front, from left, are: Zachary Ryan, Nathaniel Walsh, William Carey, Cameron Shannahan, and Landon Reddy. Submitted photo.

By Mark Squibb / June 2, 2023

A group of Ferryland boys who have played basketball together for the past eight years have ended their school-age ball career with a championship win in their home gym.

“If I was a good writer, I could write a script for a Hollywood movie, because the way this all played out was just like a movie,” said coach Liam Walsh.

Liam began coaching the group eight years ago, when the boys would have been in grades 4 and 5. His wife Wendy came onboard the following year, and the two have coached the team ever since.

Five of the students will graduate this June, and for those five students, this was their last provincial high school tournament.

“Sunday was the culmination of eight years of coaching and teaching,” said Walsh, adding the boys, who were always ready and willing to practise, went above and beyond to prepare for this particular tournament.

“For eight months, we’ve been in the gym three times a week, sometimes more, and even over Christmas break and over the weekend when we could,” Walsh said. “So, it’s an hour-and-a-half a practise, so that amounts to hundreds and hundreds of hours of practise.”

When Walsh began coaching the boys all those years back, some of the boys had never played proper basketball before, while others had developed some skills. Regardless, every boy was willing to put in hour after hour of hard work on the court to hone his game as best he could, Walsh said.

It was slow going at first. The first season, the boys didn’t win a game. The next year, the boys won a couple of games, and the year after they won their first local tournament.

Walsh attributes their success over the years to their ability to work together as a team.

“I’m a big team guy, even at work,” said Walsh. “Teamwork is a big thing. And right from the start I told them, I don’t care who scores the point, I don’t care who gets the rebound, I don’t care who gets the assist, I don’t care who does anything, I just know that somebody has got to do it, and we need 10 guys who can do it all. Between all of us, if we do it together, we’ll get farther. I always told them team stands for ‘Together Everyone Achieves More.’ That was the motto right from the beginning.”

Over the years, the boys came to love and respect both their coaches. Between the semi-final and championship game on Sunday past, the five Grade 12 students presented the couple with a thank you card.

“We opened the card and there were some really, really heartfelt comments about how we were like a part of their family and how we made a difference in their lives,” said Walsh. “The two of us were in absolute shambles, we were crying our heads off by the time we got halfway through the card, let alone by the time we finished it, over what these five young fellows wrote, these 17-year-olds.”

Walsh said when he looked up from the card, the young fellows were crying, and some of their parents were crying as well.

“It really, really hit hard, that this was going to be the end,” said Walsh. “I’ve never seen 17-year-old boys show that much emotion.”

“Over the years, you hope you’re making a difference in these young fellows lives,” said Walsh. “But some of the comments we’ve got from the guys, and their parents, about what a difference we’ve made in their lives over the last eight years, and how they’ll never forget us, that’s what makes it worthwhile. You’ll put every hour of your life into that if you know you’re making a big difference in people’s lives.  And that’s a big deal when they’re 16 and 17 years old.”

After this display of gratitude, winning the championship game against Baccalieu Collegiate of Old Perlican was just the icing on the cake.

“We kind of knew who we were going to play in the championship, and we prepared for about 12 weeks for that one specific team, and how we were going to play them,” said Walsh. “And together over those 12 weeks we came up with five or six different strategies that we were going to use.  We were going to throw so much at them that honestly, none of us had a doubt that we were going to figure them out.”

He said when the final buzzer sounded, the home crowd went wild — literally.

“It was about 120 decibels for about an hour-and-a-half,” said Walsh. “It was crazy.”

Ashton Crane, one of the graduating players, was awarded the Sportsmanship Award.

The coaches, meanwhile, named all five members of the graduating class as the team’s MVPs.

“We didn’t feel right just picking one player,” said Walsh. “We couldn’t have done it without the five of them.”

Strides for Melanoma event sees more walkers and donations

By Mark Squibb / June 2, 2023

Despite continuing financial pressures felt by many people in the wake of the pandemic and its ensuing inflation, this past weekend’s Witless Bay Strides for Melanoma event was the region’s biggest yet.

About 150 people turned up, including special guests and community groups, which organizer Beverly Corrigan says is quite an increase over last year’s event.

And along with attendee numbers, donations were also up.

“By the end of the day, we had raised about $7,558, with still more coming,” said Corrigan. “I anticipate we’ll reach about $8,500, which is a good increase from last year as well.”

In 2022, volunteers raised about $7,000, which was an increase over the previous year. In fact, donations have increased with each annual event since the inaugural event in 2020.

Over and above donations, Corrigan said that event is a means to get information to the public about the disease, and how to prevent it.

“People are becoming more informed and educated about early detection and prevention of melanoma,” said Corrigan. “And my ultimate goal is to educate people, so I’m quite pleased and overwhelmed with the amount of support.”

To that end, Corrigan recommends wearing SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen and appropriate clothing on sunny days (including brimmed hats and sunglasses), even if it is windy and cold. It’s important to be covered especially during the ‘peak time’ (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. from March to October.)

Corrigan said that branching out to host the event has been a risk, but a risk worth taking, and that she’s filled with gratitude for those who came out, donated, and volunteered.

The group is accepting donations up to June 13.