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F. E. Madill THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013. PAGE 17.
Bill Glousher
40655 Cranbrook Rd.
R.R.#4 Brussels, ON
N0G 1H0
Work 519-357-8596
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The first graduating class of F.E. Madill School spanned three classes. Class
8B consisted of, back row, from left: Teacher Mrs. Martyn, Connor denDekker,
Konrad McArter, Connor Bridge, Franklin Marshall, Wyatt Machan, Dawson
Coultes, Spencer Hodgins, Noah Young, Jeff Pewtress and Sophia Battram.
Madill’s speakers
Emily Bloemberg, centre, Jeff Gordon, left, and Jacob Peel,
right, were elected to speak on behalf of their respective
F.E. Madill classes. (Denny Scott photo)
Bloemberg, Gordon, Peel speak
By Emily Bloemberg,
Jeff Gordon and Jacob Peel
Over this school year I think all of
us have definitely become a close-
knit group that shares the experience
of being the first Grade 8 class here
at F.E. Madill. The transition for all
of us was a scary thing, but all the
relationships we made this year,
were made to last and help us
through this school year and in the
years to come. Many of us started off
as strangers. These strangers grew
into acquaintances and then these
acquaintances grew into terrific
friendships. The fear that many of us
carried at the beginning of this year
taught us that different does not
mean bad, and from change can
come development.
I am grateful because I think that
being here and getting to experience
life in the high school, has made me
comfortable and more prepared to go
into Grade 9. I am also grateful that
the high school gave us many
opportunities to do amazing things
this year. In personally got to take
part in a track team, play an
instrument, and was able to take part
in many fun and exciting school
activities. With this being such a
good year I am excited to move on
into Grade 9.
One of the benefits of being at
Madill is that we had more
opportunities that we didn’t have
before. For example, students on the
cross-country and track and field
teams were to practise with the high
school kids, and compete in some
invitational high school meets.
Another example is the chance to
play musical instruments, laptops in
our classrooms and going to the shop
to work on science projets, and using
the weight room in phys. ed class.
The transition to the high school is
much like a Stanley Cup final game.
Both teams are filled with
excitement for the potential win and
maybe experiencing a butterfly or
two. I entered Grade 8 filled with
excitement as I really was going to
“high school” and yes … I also had a
few butterflies of my own. The
transition started with seeing
familiar faces … our teachers, Mrs.
Durnin, Ms. Martin and Mr. Westra
and meeting new students from other
schools. Quickly, we made friends
and began to experience all that
Madill has to offer. We went to a
school dance, “bought our way out
of classes for a toonie” and
participated in large assemblies for
example our Remembrance Day
assembly and M-Factor. As the
months passed, we started to get
comfortable with rotary and learned
how to balance school work, our
increasing social lives and extra-
curriculars offered at Madill.
We got less and less scared of life
at high school and began to venture
out for lunch and to roam the halls.
All of these experiences, have given
us the confidence to no longer be
afraid that we will get lost in the
hills, miss class or not know who our
teachers are, or where to find them. I
am now prepared for the puck to
drop and play the game as an official
Grade 9 student. Thank you.
F.E. Madill Grade 8C Grads
Middle row, from left: Emily Schriver, Zac Campbell, Jackson Goodall, Cameron
Hoskins, Dawson Peachey, Les Irvine, Sven Van Hittersum and Dylan Leader. Front
row, from left: Tamara Hymers, Shaelynn Brown, Brittany Dickison, Mackenna
Johnston, Kailey Wheeler, Emily Bloemberg, Sydney Michie and Amy Taylor.