Titans Plant the Marian Garden

By: Izabela Pitula

On Tuesday, May 19th, a few members of HT’s Social Justice Club paid a visit to the Legionaries of Christ house to plant beautiful flowers, bushes and small trees around the statue of Mary.

Titans Celebrate Life

By: Izabela Pitula

On Thursday, April 23rd, the Titans for Life club at Holy Trinity hosted a “Culture of Life” Mass as well as a baby shower for teenage moms from Shifra Home. We were honored to have Father Kuzma as our guest speaker and have him to celebrate the Holy Eucharist with us.

Computer Workshop for Local Ladies

By: Rebecca Vukojevic

We Are Silent: Students Take a Stand for Free The Children

By: Katarina Brkic

On Thursday, April 16th, students participated in a paid civvies day to support Free The Children's We Are Silent  initiative. Around the world, there are many voices that are not heard. The unheard voices are the ones who are denied an education, the victims of bullying, people growing up in poverty, victims of gender inequality, and child labourers.

Several students took a vow of silence during the school day to let those who aren't heard, get a chance to speak out. There were students who also participated in other vows, such as a vow of no social media and a vow of no texting.

Everyone has a voice, and everyone deserves to be given a chance to be heard. Take a moment of silence today as a sign of respect towards these people.

School Mass Helps Students Reflect on Lent

By: Taryn Bratz
Photo Credit: Maddi McNevitts

This past Thursday, Holy Trinity was spiritually blessed to have Father Jason Kuntz from St. Michael’s parish to celebrate Mass and give the Holy Trinity community a devotional homily about taking the time to care about others. This message is a simple one. However, in our busy lives we tend to get caught up in everyday life, which unfortunately drives us to be selfish and live in a “dog eat dog world”. Lent is the perfect time to reflect back on past wrongdoings and look forward to how we can overcome these certain challenges in our lives. A simple way we show that we care about other people is just by saying thank you. I know- easy! In this day and age, we get so overwhelmed with things; we completely forget the things that God has given us. Even if you're not religious- maybe you're agnostic or practising another religion- a simple thank you to God or the universe, or YHWH or Brahma, or Buddha, the Creator, or even Allah. It can make the utmost difference in your life.

For example, we take for granted the fact that we have water. Simple H20. There are people in the world that do not have clean sanitized drinking water. They walk miles for just a pitcher of bacteria infested water. We don't even half to walk very far. At most all we have to walk is ten steps and we are at a sink. So let’s just say "thanks" to whomever you believe in for clean water. School is another great example. It’s now March Break, and how many of us are ecstatic to have a whole week off? Just take a moment to think that there are kids who don't even get a chance in their life to go to school. And yet we complain. We have heating in the winter, air conditioning in the spring, plumbing, a couple tests, and a maximum of four exams at the end of the semester, and then we have two months of summer vacation and a whole bunch of other holidays off! There are kids that want to go to school. They want an education because they know that if they don't they can't be successful. In this society that we live in today, we are so privileged for everything and most of the time we don’t acknowledge it.

Another way that we can help and show that we care for others is making a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, whether it’s some spare change or some clothes that you know you will never ever wear again. Donations were also collected at the school’s Lenten Mass for Mom2Mom Africa. Classes were asked to raise money and purchase a children’s backpack that would then be shipped to Africa for underprivileged children to use. Lent is a time for reflection, but it is also a time  to take action, and to be grateful for those and the things around you. You don’t have to be religious to be grateful, just acknowledge your surroundings. Just say thank you.

Once again, let’s just say thank you to our government for giving us an education that will be beneficial in our lives, no matter where they may take us. Lastly, let’s be thankful for everything that we have ever taken for granted. A clean bed, food on the table, a pantry full of snacks, electricity, hot water, television, and the most important of all- our parents for giving us this life that we live. To reiterate Father Jason’s message, we should take the miniscule amount of time that it takes to show that we care about others and not just ourselves. Maybe hold a door open for someone, say hi to someone in the halls, or just be there for someone if they're in need of your help. By doing this simple act you could impact not just the person whom you're thanking’s life, but someone else’s around you as well.

Calling All Greasers

By: Rebecca Vukojevic

http://courageconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Grease_logo.jpg

Are you interested in making a change in the world while having fun? If you answered yes, then movie night will be perfect for you! On Wednesday March 11th, Free the Children is hosting its second movie night. This time, we're watching Grease! The doors open at 6pm and the movie begins at 6:15. If you're thinking "tell me more" about this event, keep reading!

Titans Clash in Annual Student-Teacher Hockey Game

By: Izabela Pitula
Photo Credit: Fadi Jameel

On Friday, February 20th, it was a perfect day for a hockey game at the River Oaks arena between HT's teachers and students. Every year, our Titans put regular competition aside as they face the staff in a fun event with all the buyout proceeds going to build a house in Jamaica. 

Ash Wednesday Lenten Reflection

By: D’Arcy Murphy
Photo Credit: Maddi McNevitts

This past Wednesday, the staff and students of Holy Trinity gathered in the school theatre to commemorate Ash Wednesday. This day of fasting and abstinence observed by Catholics marks the beginning of Lent, and those who participate mark themselves with ashes.

All four grades assembled separately in the theatre during periods one and two. The liturgies were led by Mrs. Harkin, the school chaplain. Students proclaimed the readings and reflections, and after distributed the ashes. Mr. Harkin’s period two repertoire class provided a beautiful musical element to the services.

Following the liturgy, presentations from Mrs. Harkin and Mr. Christie explained HT’s charity campaigns for this Lenten season. For the St. Vincent de Paul Society, period two classes will be given an envelope to fill with donations to go towards the Easter meals of underprivileged families in Oakville. Many of these families in need have been affected by cancer, multiple-sclerosis, and sudden unemployment. For Mom2Mom Africa, classes were also asked to raise funds and purchase a backpack for a child in Africa. Small, child-sized knapsacks (along with a toonie stuffed into one of the pouches to pay for shipping costs) would be greatly appreciated.

Many people are confused by the traditions of Ash Wednesday. The day following Pancake Tuesday (when all of the sweet and rich foods are consumed and cleared from the house) is the start of Lent, the forty day period before Easter. Lent is a time for prayer, charitable giving, and fasting. Typically individuals pledge to give up something (such as chocolate or social media) or promise to increase a positive action (such as prayer or donating money) during the forty days and beyond. The ashes worn on the forehead in the sign of the cross are a visual aspect that direct us to God and remind us of our need for Him.

If you’re still looking for a creative Lenten promise, look below for some ideas. By the way, you don’t have to be Catholic to make the most of Lent as a time to help others!

1. Pledge to do a random act of kindness each day (ie. hold a door open for someone, etc.)
2. In solidarity with the homeless, sleep on the floor instead of on your bed or give up your pillow.
3. Give your parents a break and cook dinner.
4. Donate your time to a charity (ie. Saint Vincent de Paul, Oakville Fairshare Foodbank, etc.)
5. Take only cold showers.
6. Don’t wear makeup.
7. Read instead of watching TV.
8. Go to the sacrament of reconciliation.

Hoops For Hunger Highlights

By: D'Arcy Murphy

The rim was rocking and so was the gym on Wednesday when Holy Trinity took on the Loyola Hawks in basketball action in the HT gym. The game, which tipped off at 1pm, was part of a special event called “Hoops for Hunger”. Students who attended the game brought in a non-perishable food item or $1 donation. The Titans didn’t disappoint their fans, coming out on top in a rematch of the senior girls’ Halton championship game played earlier this fall.

An exciting start to the game took HT to the quarter pole with an 11-6 lead. An even more impressive quarter from the boys made the score 27-10. Highlights from the first half included a three-pointer off glass from Entinosa Eguavoen and a pair of one-handed slams from super senior Lucas Orlita. The veteran’s fast-break points really got the crowd into the game before halftime.

Joining the Holy Trinity students in the crowd were some young students from St. Andrew elementary school. The students had a great time visiting their future school and got a taste of the impressive Titan spirit that has been spreading this year.

In the third quarter, the Titans went on an 18-7 run and blew the doors open on a game that they were expected to win from the outset. Grade 10 student Ignas Brazdeikis, who is a dominant performer on the senior team, dropped nine of his 13 points in that third frame. The fourth quarter closed out the game and the Titans took a 64-35 victory.

Post-game, I caught up with point guard Elijah Lostracco, who had four points in each of the final three quarters. He spoke about the importance of fan support helping the guys play to the best of their abilities; “It’s really nice. We saw the football guys get a lot of support, so this time, for basketball, it felt good. It really got our team energized.”

The Hoops for Hunger match-up followed a 78-34 victory earlier in the week over Georgetown. The boys finished the week with another win, this time over Blakelock by a score of 61-46 on Thursday. Coach Stonkus reflected on the team’s play at the end of the busy week; “I was very pleased. The boys drew a lot of energy from the crowd [on Wednesday] and it really helped them and [kept] them motivated.” He added that the boys’ dedication comes from within and that “these guys are dedicated basketball players.”

The boys have a tough schedule following the Christmas break. The team’s depth and determination are what will carry them through. The balanced lineup makes HT dangerous at any time during the game, and “everyone can play and everyone can contribute”, said Stonkus. This team mentality will be crucial in January. Coach Stonkus concluded by addressing the tough stretch of games after the break against powerhouses from Nelson, Bishop Reding, and Corpus Christi; “After the break there will be a lot of challenges. I think we’re going to go into the break very positive… united as a family.”


Fans can look ahead to more information on the Titans’ upcoming games on the weekly sports round-ups.

Holy Trinity for Social Change

Article and Photographs by: Sarah Asselin

The Social Justice League with Dr. Simone (red toque).

On Friday November 7, members of Holy Trinity’s Social Justice League embarked on a volunteering experience to Dr. Simone’s Canadian Food for Children warehouse, where they spent the day giving their time to help the less fortunate. During this time, part of the group helped ship supplies to those in need while the others spent time sending requests for donations from the community.

Upon being asked about his service, Lucas Stables, grade 10, remarked, “We have mountains of supplies here that we’ve been helping ship out to other communities in the world. It feels good, it really does.”

Lucas helping to unload donations from the bus.

Holy Trinity is one of the many groups of volunteers that help at Dr. Simone’s warehouse. With their time and donations, the Canadian warehouse sends out countless supplies to those in need.

Eugenie Kowal, grade nine, said, “I like volunteering at Dr. Simone’s warehouse because it helps out other people around the world. I think that we, who are so fortunate, sometimes forget those in need in other countries.”

The day was an eye opening experience to what our school community can do to help others. Later in the day, the group received a visit from Dr. Simone himself, whose kindness was evident in each word he said.

Sarah meets Dr. Simone with Mrs. Harkin.

The social justice committee will continue their service to the community throughout the rest of the coming school year. Their next trip to the Dr. Simone warehouse is scheduled for later this month, where they will continue their mission to help those in need.

Free The Children's Halloween Movie Night

By: Rebecca Vukojevic
Photo Credit: Rachel Matheson-Green

On Thursday October 29th, HT’s Free the Children hosted their first ever movie night. It is estimated that 50 people gathered to watch the movie Halloweentown to get in the holiday spirit.  Although the event was free to attend, non-perishable food items could be donated upon arriving.  In addition, snacks, such as cookies, pizza, and popcorn were available for purchase, allowing everyone to satisfy their tooth, whether sweet or savoury! All food donations will be sent to Oakville's Fareshare Food Bank or the Good Shepherd Foodbank in Hamilton, and funds from the event will help HT build a school in Haiti, where an earthquake destroyed over 4000 schools in 2010.

Grade 11 student Rachael Zerafa shared her thoughts regarding the event: “It was really nice to relax with friends while supporting a great cause.  I had so much fun!”
             Thank you to everyone who came out to the event.  Keep your eyes open for future events and let’s make a change, HT!