Monthly Archives: December 2024

November 27, 2024, was the day of Grade Nine Day, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride!

Getting Ready📋

Grade Nine Day wasn’t just about lunchtime hilarity—it was the result of weeks of preparation, brainstorming, and collaboration. Leading up to the event, I worked closely with Chloe and Alexia, the point people for the day. They had a lot on their plates, so I made sure to be someone they could count on since I was a part of the Q/A crew with them which didn’t need a lot of preparation.

During our planning meetings, I brought ideas to the table—suggesting activities and examples of what we could do to make the event exciting for everyone. At the same time, I was open to hearing others’ ideas, knowing that the best plans are the ones shaped by collaboration. Whether it was tweaking my suggestions or jumping on board with someone else’s vision, I wanted to ensure we had a team vibe that worked.

I also made it a priority to show up to every meeting, staying positive and ready to contribute. Even when we faced challenges (hello, last-minute adjustments), I kept the energy lighthearted and focused. By the time November 27 rolled around, I felt ready to take on anything Grade Nine Day could throw at us—or so I thought.

Day of the Event🎊👯‍♀️

November 27, 2024, will forever be etched in my memory as the day I turned lunchtime awkwardness into a mini-adventure. It was Grade Nine Day, and I was ready to shine—or so I thought. My assigned role was to man the Q/A station. Easy enough, right? Except…no one had any questions. Or answers. Or even interest.

There I was, standing at my lonely desk, trying to look busy, when inspiration (or desperation) struck. Instead of just waiting for the action to come to me, I decided to go where the people were! That’s when Matthew, who was on security duty, and I hatched our master plan: Operation Hype Up the Hallways.

For the rest of lunch, we roamed the school like we were on a Grade Nine Day world tour. We popped into classrooms, waved to students in the hallways, and invited anyone within earshot to come join the fun. Was it embarrassing? Absolutely. Walking into classrooms filled with people from every grade, trying to sound convincing to the grade 9’s while everyone else stared, was peak cringe. But honestly? It was hilarious, too. Matthew gave the whole thing a security-officer-meets-hype-man vibe, which made the awkwardness totally worth it.

How I Put Leadership Skills to the Test🤓

Grade Nine Day wasn’t just an event—it was a crash course in teamwork, quick thinking, and making things happen even when they don’t go as planned. Here’s how it all went down and how I connected it to the leadership themes we’ve been working on.

Teamwork: When Everyone’s Ideas Matter

From the start, I wanted to make sure Chloe and Alexia, the event leads, had all the support they needed. I showed up to every meeting, pitched activity ideas, and stayed open to everyone’s input. Whether it was refining plans or jumping in to help, I understood that being a good team player meant listening, contributing, and building off others’ ideas.

When lunchtime came, and my Q/A station turned out to be a total flop (seriously, not a single person stopped by!), I didn’t just stand there awkwardly. Instead, I teamed up with Matthew, who was on security duty, to hype up the hallways and classrooms. It was teamwork in action—figuring out how to fix a problem together.

Leadership: Stepping Up When Things Go Sideways

This event was a real test of leadership for me. When things didn’t go as planned, I didn’t freeze or give up. Instead, I took charge and thought on my feet. I decided we’d ditch the Q/A station and take the Grade Nine Day hype directly to the students. Walking into classrooms mid-lesson to convince people to join was super awkward—but we laughed it off and made it fun.

It felt great to step up, be visible, and confidently lead the charge, even if it meant doing something out of my comfort zone.

Communication: Talking the Talk

Good communication was key both before and during the event. At our meetings, I listened carefully to feedback, shared ideas, and made sure everyone felt heard. During the event, I had to adjust my approach to talking with students, balancing humor and energy to convince them to join in.

Teaming up with Matthew also meant communicating well—figuring out how we’d split the work and keep things running smoothly.

Problem Solving: Turning a Flop Into a Win

When the Q/A station didn’t work, I had to think fast. Instead of letting the day fizzle out, I came up with a new plan to get people involved. This meant hitting the hallways, visiting classrooms, and keeping the event lively despite the hiccup. It wasn’t what we originally planned, but it ended up being one of the most fun parts of the day.

What I Learned

Grade Nine Day taught me so much about leadership and teamwork. From the planning stages to the big day itself, I learned how to adapt, stay positive, and work with others to make the event a success. Even the most awkward moments turned into something memorable because I didn’t give up.

So here’s to Grade Nine Day—a mix of challenges laughs, and a whole lot of learning. Sometimes, all you need to turn things around is a little creativity, some good teamwork, and the willingness to embarrass yourself in front of a classroom full of people. 😄

Pumpkin Carving, Playlists, and Making Connections 🎃🎶

One of the highlights of the fall season at school was the Pumpkin Carving Event, where I had the chance to get creative, connect with new people, and learn a little something about myself in the process. From managing music to carving pumpkins, it was an afternoon full of laughter, challenges, and memorable moments.

Setting the Scene: Communication through Music 🎧

My role during the event wasn’t just about carving pumpkins—I was also in charge of creating the vibe through music. I spent time putting together a playlist I thought would get everyone hyped for fall fun. But as it turns out, not everyone agreed with my music choices!

A few people (jokingly, I hope!) told me my playlist wasn’t their favourite. Instead of taking it personally, I saw it as an opportunity to communicate and connect with others. I asked for suggestions, added their song picks, and quickly learned how music can be a conversation starter. Even if my playlist wasn’t a hit with everyone, it was fun to see people laugh about it and engage in the event more.

Carving Pumpkins and Breaking the Ice 🎃

The actual pumpkin carving was a chance to meet and connect with some of the new international students at school. I made it a point to introduce myself, ask about their carving ideas, and get to know their stories.

This experience really reminded me of the power of communication in building relationships. By being approachable and starting conversations, I was able to help them feel included and part of the school community. It didn’t matter if their pumpkins were perfectly carved or hilariously lopsided (mine wasn’t a masterpiece either!)—what mattered was the fun we had working together and sharing the experience.

Reflecting on the Fun 📚

Looking back, the Pumpkin Carving Event taught me a lot about how small interactions can make a big impact. From managing the music to chatting with students from different backgrounds, I learned how communication isn’t just about words—it’s about being open, approachable, and willing to adapt to others.

A couple of key takeaways for me were:

1. Be flexible: Not everyone will like your playlist, but being open to suggestions creates a more inclusive atmosphere.
2. Take initiative: Starting conversations, especially with new students, helps build connections and make people feel welcome.
3. Have fun with imperfection: Whether it’s a playlist flop or a pumpkin carving fail, embracing the humor in situations keeps things light and enjoyable.

More Than Just Pumpkins

This event wasn’t just about carving pumpkins; it was about connecting with people and creating a welcoming space. I’m glad I got to be part of it and can’t wait for more opportunities to learn, laugh, and grow through fun school events.

The Spooky Scavenger Hunt 👻🎃

Let me tell you about one of the most exciting school projects I’ve been a part of recently—the Scavenger Hunt! Not only was it a blast to plan and pull off, but it also turned out to be a major lesson in teamwork and communication. From wild brainstorming sessions to last-minute clue adjustments on event day, this scavenger hunt was all about staying connected and working together. Let’s dive in

Planning the Madness: Where Ideas Took Flight🚀

Our brainstorming sessions were essentially a blur of ideas! We discussed themes, hints, and routes in order to create an enjoyable and interesting scavenger hunt.

This stage highlighted the curricular competency of creative thinking: we generated creative solutions by bouncing ideas off one another and refining them through discussion. Everyone contributed something unique, and the collaborative environment ensured every voice was heard. By respecting and building on others’ suggestions, we transformed individual ideas into a cohesive plan. This process showed me how collaboration strengthens creativity and problem-solving.

Event Day Adventures: Communicating on the Go 🎉

Then came event day—the real test of our curricular competency in communication! My job was making sure everyone knew the plan: where clues were, how teams were doing, and if any last-minute adjustments were needed. There were moments when things didn’t go exactly as planned (it’s all part of the fun, right?), so I had to think quickly, communicate clearly, and keep the vibe upbeat.

My primary responsibility was managing the café and gym areas, where participation was optional. I had to effectively communicate to draw students in and make the scavenger hunt exciting. I didn’t wait for students to approach; instead, I proactively introduced myself, explained the event, and encouraged them to join. Guiding participants involved giving clear instructions and adapting quickly when unexpected issues arose, such as adjusting clues on the fly or answering questions.

In these moments, I realized how essential it is to tailor communication to the audience—keeping directions simple, being approachable, and maintaining a positive attitude all helped ensure participants felt welcome and motivated.

Post-Hunt: Looking Back, Laughing, and Learning 📚

After the hunt was done, I took the time to reflect on how things went and gathered feedback from participants. There were definitely some funny moments that seemed even funnier once we were done! I shared some of the feedback with the team and suggested a few ideas for making future events even better. It felt good to know that we were all learning from the experience and could improve next time.

The Real Takeaway: Communication for the Win! 🏆

This scavenger hunt was such a great reminder of how powerful communication is. Here’s what I learned along the way:

• Sharing ideas freely: Don’t be shy—pitch those wild ideas! You never know which one will spark something awesome.
• Listening to others: Listening isn’t just about hearing; it’s about really understanding and building on what others say.
• Clear instructions: Keeping things simple and clear makes everything go smoother, especially on a busy day!
• Constructive feedback: Talking honestly about what worked (and what didn’t) helps everyone get better and have more fun next time.

Looking back, this scavenger hunt taught me that communication is so much more than just talking. It’s the whole experience—sharing, listening, laughing, and making things happen together! Can’t wait to carry these lessons into my next project. Here’s to more adventures and great teamwork ahead! 

Also shoutout to Ms. MacPherson for letting me borrow her leadership shirt!