Words From Ward

Growing up is not always what it's cracked up to be, and yet sometimes it can be pretty cool.  In this week's episode we look at the theme of growing pains and the challenges that come with growing up.  Join Mayumi, Mitzi and Selina as they discuss their experiences growing up as students and teenagers, and the transitions between childhood, adolescence, and the feeling of "needing" to grow up.   These three students talk about how they manage responsibilities, both in relation to their life and in their academics.  

Chants, shawarmas, guest speakers and warming hearts!  Welcome to OASIS.   Mary Ward has held a long standing tradition in welcoming grade 9 students through OASIS activities with senior leaders at the helm and we were so excited to finally do it again this year.  So we thought it important to dedicate some podcast time to the amazing teachers behind the scenes and have them explain why this event plays a key role in shaping our junior students. Join us this week as Nith and Andy discuss how they initially became active members of the Mary Ward community and why it was so important for them to become OASIS leaders. They speak with Ms. Tsang-Lee and Mr. Coleman about this year's OASIS activities, the memories that they walked away with and the importance of getting involved.  Despite the pandemic, these two dedicated teachers managed to safely rally OASIS leaders together to host activities for the long awaited two day event that involved both our grade 9 and 10 students.      You'll also hear interviews taken by our roving reporter, Julia, who spoke with grade 9's during their OASIS experience.  Join us in celebrating Mary Ward leadership and community with this special podcast.     Music - "Japan" written by Chris Cawthray Music Performed by: Chris Cawthray (drums), Rob Price (guitar), and Jim Sexton (bass)

Welcome to the first episode of Words from Ward! In today's pilot episode, hosts Andy and Anita - both in grade twelve - reminisce about their experiences as grade 9 students participating in OASIS 2018. They chat about how OASIS was conducted pre-COVID, speak about their favourite memories, and share funny stories. The release date of this podcast aligns with the dates of OASIS 2021, and serves as an intro to our longstanding tradition of grade nine orientation at Mary Ward. Look out for weekly episodes from us here at Words From Ward, hosted by a revolving cast of grade twelve students and guest starring students, teachers, administrative staff, and other members of our school community! Music - "Japan" written by Chris Cawthray Music Performed by Chris Cawthray (drums), Rob Price (guitar), and Jim Sexton (bass)

Love is in the air! In this weeks episode, two of our senior couples will be answering questions on how they deal with certain situations in the relationship.

Have you ever struggled with taking chances and regret not taking it afterwards? Ever missed out a chance to talk to the possible love of your life? Ever wanted to join a club in school but you were just too scared to join? Well In this weeks episode Chantle, Gaby, and Aby talk about their experiences and ways we can encourage ourselves to not be afraid of taking chances.

Words from Ward is back! Starting this season off we have Francine, Erica, and Angelo talking about the beginning of their senior year; how they are feeling about being a senior, and overall reminiscing their past years in Mary Ward.

Humbug or Holiday cheer?  The holiday season is upon us, and who better to analyze its meaning but our very own Lanay and Esther! These two wise and weary students share some clever and humorous accounts of their experiences with Christmas, presents and presence.  So grab that hot cocoa, put on your ear buds and cozy on up to our Christmas episode.   Merry Christmas, Wolverines, and Happy Holidays!

Ever wonder who's behind all the morning announcements, bbq's and spririt weeks?  A group of elected students known as SAC, Mary Ward's student council! Join us in this episode where SAC members - Pia, Selemun, and Francine - discuss the goals and challenges they face as student body representatives.  You'll hear what they have in store for Christmas, spirit week and other future events.  Thanks to Angelo and Erica for hosting this episode. We hope you enjoy this week's episode.   Music performed by Thushan Johnson. 

Join grade 11 OASIS leaders Francine, Mayumi and Soloman as they ask grade 9's about their experiences at Mary Ward so far.   Music performed by Thushan Johnson.  

Welcome back to a new season of Words from Ward.   In this first episode of the 2022-2023 school year, grade 11 students Lanay and Esther continue an important conversation about Faculty Diversity.  In this second part of the conversation they're joined in studio with principal Mr. Wetzel to discuss the intricacies connected with this necessary topic. We hope you enjoy this week's episode.   Music by Kaleb Mendiola.

In this final episode of the year, Emma and Chantel interview new teachers about their thoughts on self-directed learning model.  You'll hear from Ms. David, Mr. Gozun and a handful of other awesome teachers about their experiences with SDL, what they love about the program and what they would have done differently.   We hope you enjoy this episode.  Music performed by Thushan Johnson.    

On this episode grade ten students Lanay, Esther and Francine look at the important topic of faculty diversity and how crucial it is for students of colour to be represented by the teachers who teach them.  This courageous conversation uncovers students' experiences, feelings and frustrations along with an urgent call for change.   We hope this episode encourages some insights around this very important topic. Music performed by Thushan Johnson.     

It was a French class discussion on social injustices that brought these three passionate leaders together. Now they run a non-profit organization called Lead the Conversation.  Join grade 11 students Rand, Shanelle, and Pia, as they talk about their organization where they work on a gamut of initiatives.  From raising awareness on AAPI issues to raising money for the Black Lives Matter movement, these three have a knack on leading the conversation.  So, join them, and listen to the discussion as they focus in on the strengths of working for others.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode. Music performed by Kaleb Mendiola.     

The pandemic has been a scary and frustrating time for all of us, but with resilience and a lot of contemplation, Mary Ward students continue to manage as best they can.  Join Angelo and Francine as they speak with students about their experiences with the pandemic and how they've been coping.  In the podcast studio, along with their friend, Erica, they talk about the start of the pandemic, their losses and what they would have been doing differently had the pandemic not struck.  We hope you enjoy this week's episode.  Music performed by Thushan Johnson.

We've waited almost two years, and it's finally here!  Mary Ward's self-directed learning model is back!   In this week's episode grade 10 hosts Angelo and Francine discuss with their friends Sarah (grade 9) and Mayumi (grade 10) their experience with SDL so far.    Having missed self-directed learning in their first year at Ward, Angelo and Francine share what it's like to finally land in the SDL model of learning.   So come on....be self-directed and give this podcast a listen.   Music composed and performed by Kaleb Mendiola.   

This week we welcome some new members to our podcast,  grade 10 hosts Lanay and Sherika.  These new Words From Ward hosts begin their hosting debut strong as they discuss the topic of women.  As a way to commemorate International Women's Day and Month, Lanay and Sherika unpack womanism, feminism, the experiences of black women and women of colour, intersectionality and so many more issues surrounding identifying as female in this world.   Join us and listen to this very important topic.   Music performed by Thushan Johnson. 

In this week's episode Giuliana hosts friends Hannah & Julia in a discussion about high school friendships, future goals for post secondary and how quickly perspectives change from grade 9.  This grade 12 trio share some humbling revelations about the ever shifting landscape of friend groups and how it's all part of the process.    Join Giuliana, Hannah and Julia in this honest discussion.  Music performed by Kaleb Mendiola.

When they met in grade 9, it was love at first sight, and they've been together ever since.  On this special Valentine's week episode long time couple, Jan and Jana, discuss what it's like to be in a relationship.    Join Andy, Nith and this special couple as they discuss important tips on being together.  Music performed by Thushan Johnson.   

It's been put on hold for almost two years, but self-directed is coming back! Our principal, Mr. Wetzel, visits the podcast studio again to speak with Andy and Nith about plans to re-enter into Mary Ward's self-directed learning model.  Mr Wetzel walks us through the school's plans for self directed learning and what it will look like.   It's going to take some training wheels to get this unique educational model going again, but we're getting fitted and we're raring to go.  Join us for this important episode.  Music performed by Kaleb Mendiola.    

Old friends Anita and Emen share a call they had shortly after the return to school where they discussed the COVID stigma, finding support systems in challenging times and....books?  These young but old friends exchange some sage advice while having some laughs. Join us for this week's episode.     Music performed by Thushan Johnson.