Second Edition - February 2025
Second Edition - February 2025
The Mustang Messenger
Tyler Smith to Speak at FE Madill: A Focus on Mental Health Awareness
By Laura Dawson
Get ready, FE Madill! Tyler Smith, a renowned mental health speaker, is coming to share his inspiring story this March. Known for his relatable approach, Tyler has been making waves in the mental health community by openly discussing his experiences with anxiety and depression. His mission? To break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to prioritize their well-being.
Tyler’s journey began when he faced his own struggles with mental health during his teenage years. Realizing the importance of sharing his story, he has dedicated his life to helping others understand that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Students can expect an engaging presentation filled with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and interactive discussions. Tyler emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space where individuals can feel comfortable sharing their feelings and struggles. His relatable storytelling allows audiences to connect with him on a personal level, fostering an environment of understanding and empathy.
As mental health becomes an increasingly important topic in schools, Tyler’s visit comes at a crucial time. With rising rates of anxiety and depression among young people, his message of hope and resilience is more relevant than ever. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, as students and staff alike are eager to hear Tyler’s insights and learn how to support themselves and their peers.
Tyler Smith is not just a speaker; he is a beacon of hope for many. His dedication to mental health awareness is evident in his passionate speeches and workshops, where he empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a true advocate for mental health awareness—Tyler Smith is sure to leave a lasting impact on the FE Madill community! Mark your calendars for this important event and prepare to be inspired!
By Lily Conley
As a former attendee of the Tour for Humanity bus, I am excited to announce its return to FE Madill history classes on Wednesday, March 5th!
Tour for Humanity is a Canadian non-profit organization powered by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center that provides a 30-seat classroom on wheels that educates students on history and issues in Canada.
They offer a range of workshop options, including “The Canadian Experience” which focuses on the residential school systems and the internment of Japanese Canadians during WWll or “The Holocaust: Then and Now” which educates students on Nazi Germany and WWll. These workshops are taught through presentations, videos, and discussions led by an FSWC educator.
Tour for Humanity is an incredible way to engage students in their learning and create a memorable way to learn information. As a past attendee myself, I can confidently claim firsthand that Tour for Humanity was an amazing experience for me as a student. I was able to connect my learning in class to the information that was shared and deepen my knowledge of Canadian history.
Grade ten history classes this semester including CHC 2L, CHC 2P, and CHC 2D will have the opportunity to participate in this program granted by the generous support of the Royal Canadian Legion, Blyth Branch 420, who donated $280 to cover almost half the cost of this event.
FE Madill Secondary School would like to once again thank the Royal Canadian Legion, Blyth Branch 420, for their contribution to making this possible, and we are looking forward to this learning experience on Wednesday, March 5th.
Nordic Ski Team Hits OFSAA!
By Charis Vander Klippe and Alaina Scheurwater
Recently, from Wednesday (February 19) to Friday (February 21), Madill's Nordic Ski Team was able to head to OFSAA for the third year in a row- a welcome reward for the senior girls after taking gold at WOSSA.
The team (coached by Mrs. Jennifer Shields) worked hard to make it: attending meets, invitationals and practices at the school.
Despite temperatures as low as -17°C , the freezing event was packed. They skied with an estimated 600 other students participating- along with staff, coaches, and volunteers. The team was encouraging and remained positive during the entire experience, even hitting the dance floor for a post-awards ceremony party.
Special congratulations to Nathan Scheurwater, who placed 49th out of 120 junior boys! We're looking forward to an even better next year with these hard working teens- way to go 'Stangs!
(From left to right: Coach J. Shields, A. Toll, C. Vander Klippe, S. Whitehead, A. Hills, A. Todd, A. Scheurwater, N. Scheurwater, K. Dobben)
Tips for Beating the Winter Blues
By Lillian Beyersbergen-Oakes
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many people feel less energetic and more down in the dumps. Winter can hugely impact mental health, with reduced sunlight, colder weather, and less time spent outdoors contributing to feelings of sadness, fatigue, and isolation. However, there are several ways to combat the winter blues and maintain good mental well-being throughout the season.
Exercise releases a chemical called endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. While it may be tempting to stay indoors, regular physical activity, whether yoga, a home workout, or bundling up for a short walk, can greatly improve mental health.
Maintaining Social Connection
Winter can be lonely, especially stuck at home with the storms, but it's important to stay connected with friends and family. Schedule virtual or in-person meetups, engage in social activities, or join a club to maintain a sense of community.
Prioritizing Sleep
The shorter days and longer nights can interfere with sleep patterns. Try for a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure you're getting enough rest. Try to avoid excessive screen time before bed to improve your sleep even more.
Practicing Mindfulness and Stress Management
Meditation, journaling, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety. Taking a few minutes each day to focus on mindfulness can promote emotional well-being and can improve your day significantly.
Winter may pose challenges for mental health, but taking proactive steps makes it possible to stay positive and maintain emotional well-being. By embracing self-care and healthy habits, you can navigate the colder months with resilience and warmth.
The Boy who Flew too Close to the Sun
By Lydia Jefferson
One of my favourite myths in Greek mythology is the story of Icarus.: a young boy who flew too close to the sun and fell into the ocean. Icarus’s story starts with his dad, the genius inventor Daedalus. Daedalus had recently constructed a giant labyrinth to house the great Mintotar for King Minos. Well the hero Theseus had just killed Minotar and King Minos was quite upset, so upset that he imprisoned Daedalus and his son inside of a tower near the ocean . Daedalus came up with a genius plan to escape the Tower; he would construct two pairs of wings made of feathers and wax. When Daedalus finished the wings he gave his son a warning about the wings. He told him not to fly too low as to not dampen the wings and not to fly too high as the wax will melt. When the pair set off everything was going smoothly until Icarus decided to be a bit reckless and started to fly higher. However, like his fathers said, the sun soon began to melt the wax on Icarus’s wings and he fell into the ocean and did not survive.
This version may differ from other versions because the original text was translated from ancient Greek text by multiple different people.