With the end of the school year coming up fast, the next few weeks are going to be busy ones for NISS students. Outside of the regular academics, NISS is planning several events for month of May, including a poetry slam and art show, a trades fair and a trip to Village Island.
On May 14, NISS is hosting its first ever Trades and Local Business Fair. Local employers will staff more than 30 booths to teach students and visitors about potential careers, especially in the trades. Over the course of the fair there will also be activities taking place in NISS’s shop facilities. The event will begin with a presentation about the trades at 10 a.m. and will carry on until 12:30 p.m.
The school’s third art night on May 22 is shaping up to be just as much a success as the last two. Like its predecessors, it will feature slam poetry and musical performances from students and staff, as well as student art on display and for sale. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and entry will be by donation, with funds raised going toward a new kiln for the art room.
Another major event this month is the second annual cultural sharing trip to Village Island on May 23. A group of students, staff and other guests will travel by boat to the village site, where they will learn about local First Nations culture and history. Attendants will also enjoy traditional foods as well as drumming, singing and dancing performances.
Events such as these offer new experiences and opportunities for students. Through they are not part of the traditional curriculum, students who participate in any of the events will be continuing their learning regardless. May will be a busy month, but it will also be a rewarding one for students at NISS.
Andrew Mitchell is a Grade 12 student at North Island Secondary School and a prize-winning amateur photographer.