cultural & community
social
The school year has been off to a great start, and it’s been great seeing the Mackenzie family so fresh and alive again. Gone are the days of unanticipated school closures and being fixed behind a screen to learn. With the new hustle and bustle of Mackenzie, we hope you feel welcome in our school community—especially you niners. We promise high school isn’t half as scary as you may think. Just as we were all collectively easing into the demands of academia and our extracurricular endeavours, we, your Project Metropolis team, took to the hallways to discover just how people are adapting to the new school year.
This article contains real and unfiltered accounts from WLMACs very own: fresh ninth grader Warisha Shams, latest sophomores Daphne Tu and Julieanne Romeo, talented 11th graders Dimitra Ramirez Gianopoulos and Asia Philips, and fascinating senior Conrad Sandler.
1. What do you miss about summer break?
Julieanne: Going out and spending time with friends + No school/no homework + Sleeping in
Conrad: I miss having more free time to spend on my hobbies and with my friends.
Warisha: I miss hanging out will my old friends from middle school, and visiting family/ doing tourism in Europe.
Daphne: Everything!
Dimitra: Being able to sleep in every day and not having to worry about being late for school every morning
Asia: Free time
2. Mackenzie offers so many things to cater to its population; what is one thing you are looking forward to taking part in this year?
Julieanne: Volleyball
Conrad: I didn't really participate in extra-curriculars last year and am looking forward to taking advantage of some this year, such as MUN and Baking Club.
Warisha: I am definitely looking forward to tryout for girls' volleyball team as well as be a part of the school newspaper and HOSA!
Daphne: I am most looking forward to semis!!!
Dimitra: Sports, specifically basketball and volleyball
Asia: Volleyball
3. What class are you most excited to attend every day?
Julieanne: Right now I like Business or fitness
Conrad: I enjoy all my classes this semester, however, if I had to pick a favourite it would be history.
Warisha: I am most excited to attend English everyday so far. My teacher has made it extremally engaging with the friendly environment and many class discussions that we have.
Daphne: The class that I am most excited to attend everyday is business!!
Dimitra: Definitely Canadian Law, I really enjoy how engaging the class is and our class debates
Asia: Chemistry
4. Were you nervous about anything entering this year? If so, why?
Julieanne: I was nervous about my classes and teachers
Conrad: I was and still am apprehensive about university applications and what life post high-school holds for me. While I'm excited for what the future holds, I still have a lot to figure out.
Warisha: I was a little nervous about the whole high school environment. It seemed quite intimidating at first - but I am a little more used to it now since it's already been a week.
Daphne: I am nervous about exams because they are not too slay!
Dimitra: Yes, playing sports again and trying out for the school teams. This is due to the fact that last year I tore my ligament and just recently I got back into playing sports.
Asia: Yes, for my course load
5. What is the most fascinating item that you have in your backpack?
Julieanne: Deck of cards
Conrad: My kindle, I'm currently reading 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson.
Warisha: Most fascinating item in my backpack is my earbuds.
Daphne: Green tea infused mints...?
Dimitra: Probably a portable charger that I have never used but everyone else always needs one so it’s good to have
Asia: Erasable markers
6. We’ve finally jumped over the pandemic hurdle (for the most part). What is the best thing about post-Covid life?
Julieanne: Not having to wear a mask , Being able to hug and hangout with people
Conrad: I enjoy being able to move onto other things in life without the constant overbearing presence of Covid to worry about. It's nice to be able to forget about it and put that chapter behind me.
Warisha: Being able to join clubs and live a normal teenage life.
Daphne: Being able to see my friends more and livelaughloving life
Dimitra: Not having to worry about really long lines to get into stores and school
Asia: Being able to go out again
7. There is much more to life than school and studying, so what do you do on your own time?
Julieanne: Draw and dance practice
Conrad: Over the summer I have picked up cooking and baking which I enjoy in my free time. I have always loved music and I enjoy sports.
Warisha: I like to hang out with my friends on my own time and do other extracurricular actives. I also like taking walks to the park almost everyday and watching movies with my mom.
Daphne: I like to watch tv (my favourite netflix original show is never have i ever- everyone should watch it tbh)
Dimitra: Usually I spend my time going to the gym to lift or play basketball
Asia: Sports
8. We are so lucky to have a snazzy school website and app thanks to the talented Project Metropolis team. What are you thinking of maclyonsden so far?
Julieanne: I think it is very useful and resourceful. It helps me find events via the calender and find my classes using the school map.
Conrad: Very well done! I'm sure it'll only continue improving.
Warisha: macslyonsden is quite a well designed and useful website! Haven't used it a bunch but I know I will soon.
Daphne: 11/10. Literally the best website/app ever and Edna is the best team member every. They are so lucky to have her <3
Dimitra: I love both the app and website because they’re really helpful, especially when I forget what day it is or what time class finishes. My favourite thing is definitely the school calendar since it is always up to date with the events going on around the school.
Asia: Haven’t payed much attention
School in September is full of new experiences and routines. No matter what your timetable and commitments look like so far, we hope you have a safe, healthy and happy school year Mackenzie!