The atmosphere here at PHSS was bustling following the winter break. After two weeks of relaxation it was back to the daily grind. Once again waking up early and having to focus in class. All of us had to adapt quickly as the end of semester rapidly approached.
The end of first semester came fast. Stress levels ran high as students completed the last of their assignments and prepared for final exams or projects. Students sighed with relief when exam week was finished. Some students even had a few days with no exams, an opportunity to relax or in many cases get in more hours at work.
We kicked off semester two with the play Tagged by Green Thumb Theatre. The play was entertaining and informative. It took on the controversial topic of cyber bullying, demonstrating how posting pictures of other people online as a joke can be more malicious than humorous.
Recently our 2014 grads struck a pose for their commemorative grad photos. Another step towards graduation is complete and no doubt the idea of graduating is becoming more real for the grade 12s. Following the buzz of graduation photos we had a guest speaker at the school. Amir Javid, a gang violence educator, came to tell us about his life experiences and the danger of gangs. It was an inspiring presentation. Javid promotes the idea that people should focus on their dreams and follow those dreams so they don’t fall into dangerous situations like joining a gang.
After such a wonderful start to semester two everyone here at the high school is looking forward to what the rest of the semester has in store.
Alexandra Southgate and Alisha MacDonald are Grade 12 students at Port Hardy Secondary School.