BA: A success at the first Robotics Festival: Riverview CLC Activities for the spring

It was a long awaited event that many students and their parents were waiting for a few months to arrive as it was time to show off their creativity and ingenuity. The first ever Quebec Robotics Festival was recently held at the Stade Uniprix.

The Beurling Academy Bobcats team qualified for the Quarter Finals in their rookie season by being chosen to be a part of a quarterfinal placed team. The BA team was eliminated in the 2 out of 3 quarterfinal matches but did not lose heart and we hear are more excited to compete next year. This year, they were among 24 out of 37 teams to make the quarter-finals.

All of the teams participating around North America were given the rules for the competition on the same day in early January. “Rebound Rumble” was announced as this year’s game which teams would have to build robots that would pick up and shoot basketballs into four different baskets. Students and their mentors had six weeks to design, build and test a robot using a limited set of parts and materials. This year marked the first time the LBPSB participated in a First Robotics Competition. BA was among only 4 English high schools on the Island of Montreal to compete this year.

The students who took part are part of the woodworks/robotics class, put together over a period of several months at lunchtime with the assistance of Nick Roussos and Youth Fusion, who were BA’s sponsors. So kudos go out to all those involved in building the robot and we look forward to a bigger and stronger robot next year. The woodworks/robotics class has become an instant hit and it was recently announced that the class will be getting a bigger classroom.

Tishawna Callender wins big at This is Talent

With all the events in Black History Month, the visit of the Alouettes’ Anthony Calvillo, and the big We Day event at St. Denis Theatre, we were bound to overlook something.

This is Talent, a leading talent corporation in Montreal, recently held their annual show at the Rialto Theatre in February, and one of this year’s BA grads was in competition and was this year’s big winner.

This is Talent is proud at the opportunity to give young people the chance to perform at fancy venues, in front of big crowds, with talent managers, agents, recording people in attendance, along with family and friends.

The goal is to give each performer the chance to feel like a star for the time they spend with the hard working staff of this organization. The winner of this year’s show was none other than Beurling Academy’s very own Tishawna Callender. Tishawna received a cool $500 as well as a chance to do a little bragging.

Those of us who have been to the many music concerts through the years have had the delight to hear her sing some of her favorite classics, including Christmas favorites like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Tishawna made everybody take notice during the Christmas show of 2007 with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s smash hit, “The Greatest Love of All”. So a big congrats goes out to Tishawna!

BA’s music teacher entertains

It’s not too often that one gets an invite to chill out on a Friday night after one of those so-so weeks, and come away delightfully surprised. We got an email invite to attend the opening of a new local pop art gallery/jazz café by night in St. Henri with the entertainment provided by a very familiar name in the local performing scholastic arts circles.

The Gary Lindner trio was the entertainment for this Friday evening and didn’t disappoint and proved to be the perfect dose to both end the week and start the weekend. The same Gary Lindner who is Beurling Academy’s music teacher par excellence and who has delighted us through the years with his concerts with his music students, showed the quaint but very appreciative crowd that the master was back in fine form after his very serious injury in preparation for the annual Christmas concert this past December.

Along with Matthew Daher on drums, and James Meger on standup bass, the trio went through jazz classics in perfect sync from Miles Davis and Duke Ellington’s In a Sentimental Way with some neat solos also thrown in. So if you’re around town and hear about the Gary Lindner Trio playing somewhere near you, do drop by. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for the invite old friend!

Riverview CLC Spring Activities

The Riverview CLC is gearing up for its spring activities which begin this week and next week and there’s a little bit of something for everyone. All these activities are public with some of them being free and others with minimal costs. We invite you to look below at the full rundown of the public spring program. For more info and to reserve spots, call the CLC coordinator Miss Audrey Ottier at 514-761-4524.

Martial Arts for Children

The Riverview CLC is now offering a free martial arts class for kids! This non-violent class teaches a variety of martial arts styles including kickboxing, capoeira (from Brazil), wrestling and Kali (from the Philippines). This is an introductory class and is suitable for all fitness levels. Children participating should wear comfortable clothes (i.e. jogging pants, T-shirt, running shoes). Fridays 4:15 to 5:15 (in the Gym)

Session start: April 13 (8 weeks) Cost: FREE

Ribbon Weaving

Ribbon Weaving is similar to origami in that you use simple materials to make something extraordinary. Using decorative ribbons, you create three dimensional (3D) ornaments like stars, animals, plants, etc. This course is suitable for children aged 7 and up (children must be accompanied by parents), adults and seniors. This is a great parent-child activity. You can hang the decorative ornaments in your home, on a Christmas tree, or give them as a gift. This course requires a minimum of 6 participants.

Level 1: Wednesdays 6:30 to 8:30 (in the CLC). Session from April 11 to May 2.

Level 2: Tuesdays 6:00 to 8:00 (in the CLC) Session from April 3 to April 24

Level 1: $50

Level 2: $55

For 4 classes, all material included

Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a great way to get in shape while learning basic self defense and kickboxing techniques. Participants will be training with pads and targets – there is no direct sparring/contact between participants. Develop your motor skills, flexibility & discipline while you tone & sculpt your body. This is a beginner and intermediate level kickboxing class open to teens and adults.

Tuesdays 6:15-7:30 (in the Gym)

Session start: April 3 (8 weeks)

$52 for 8 classes

Mother Goose Rhyme Time

Mother Goose Rhyme Time is a weekly gathering of parents and tots who come together to learn and share the joys of nursery rhymes, songs and stories. Late comers are welcome after the program begins, space permitting. Sessions are an hour and 15 minutes including a period for parents to socialize while children play. Snacks are provided for toddlers. Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 (in the CLC). Session Start: April 17 (8 weeks) Cost: FREE

Brazilian Capoeira

Capoeira is a Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines fighting techniques with dance. Classes are non-violent and appropriate for all levels from beginner to advanced. If you are curious you can drop in and try a class out for free. Open for teens and adults. (Payable directly to the instructor). Tuesdays 7:30-9:00 (in the Gym). Session start: April 3 (7 weeks) $30/month for adults or $20/month for teens (Based on 4 classes/month).