Third Edition - March 2025
Third Edition - March 2025
The Mustang Messenger
By Laura Dawson
In a recent event at FE Madill, mental health advocate Tyler Smith captivated students and faculty alike with his compelling message about the importance of mental health awareness.
Tyler, who has been a prominent voice in the mental health community, shared his personal journey and the challenges he faced while navigating mental health issues. His story resonated deeply with many attendees, sparking conversations about the stigma surrounding mental health and the need for open dialogue.
During his presentation, Tyler emphasized the significance of seeking help and supporting one another. He encouraged students to break the silence that often surrounds mental health struggles and to create a culture of understanding and empathy within their school community. "It's okay to not be okay," he stated, urging everyone to prioritize their mental well-being and reach out for support when needed.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where students engaged with Tyler, asking questions about coping strategies and resources available for mental health support. The overwhelming response from the audience highlighted the impact of Tyler’s advocacy, leaving many inspired to take action in their own lives and contribute to a more supportive environment at FE Madill.
As mental health awareness continues to grow, events like this play a crucial role in fostering understanding and compassion among young people.
The 7/8 girls basketball team is off to an amazing season, racking up an impressive 17 continuous wins and no losses. They were also named the Walkerton Riverhawks Invitational champs after winning all of their games at that tournament on March 29.
The team of 17 is made up of four 7th graders and thirteen 8th graders, and is coached by John McFarlane. Coach McFarlane says the team is playing so well because they "have great depth and athleticism. Everyone contributes and accepts their role. Players don't feel they have to be the top scorer or get the most playing minutes to be helping the team."
Their season started at the end of January, and so far the team has played against Goderich, Listowel, Hanover, Kincardine, Stratford, St. Marys, Owen Sound, Port Elgin, Flesherton, and Chesley. The season wraps up this month.
F.E. Madill is proud of how well the team is performing! Go Mustangs!
By Elyse Ireland
This March break, a group of fifty students from three local schools - part of the AMDSB school board - embarked on an ten day unforgettable field trip to Europe, including seven students from FE Madill Secondary school and one teacher. The group visited England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The trip was not just a sightseeing tour but a deep dive into the history of the World Wars and Canada’s involvement in the conflicts.
I was one of the students fortunate enough to have gone on this adventure overseas, and It was an incredible experience that changed my perspective on history forever. This trip put so much into context for me, seeing the places where brave Canadians fought for our freedom taught me in a way a textbook never could. I am so incredibly grateful that I got to go on this unique trip of a lifetime.
The group of young travelers spent two days in London England, visiting Buckingham Palace, The Churchill War Rooms, and the Imperial War Museum. During walking tours, the students saw sights like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. After a jam packed two days in the UK, the group boarded a six hour ferry ride from Portsmouth, UK to Caen, France. In France they visited many commonwealth cemeteries, The Vimy Ridge memorial, Juno Beach, and several important battlefields, such as the Somme and Passchendaele.
In the last few days of their trip they went to Belgium and the Netherlands, stopping for a night in Ypres, Belgium. In Ypres, they paid their respects at the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest commonwealth cemetery in the world. That evening they attended the last post ceremony, a nightly memorial ceremony that takes place under the Menin Gate where a student from each of the three schools laid a wreath. During the remaining two days of the trip, the students explored Amsterdam on the streets and in the canals. They visited the Dutch Resistance Museum and saw the Anne Frank house, the following day they went to Westerbork, a transit camp a few hours out of Amsterdam where during the second world war, prisoners were held before they were taken to Auschwitz.
This journey was more than just a field trip—it was a powerful lesson in history, remembrance, and the importance of preserving the legacy of those who came before us.
The trenches are on display in the front foyer of Madill.
By Alaina Scheurwater
Track and field season has officially started at Madill. Practices are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday after school from 3 to 4 pm.
All ages and experience levels are welcome to join and try some events. Whether you are into sprinting, long distance running, throwing, jumping, or hurdles, there is something for you.
If you're interested in participating, talk to Mr. MacIntyre and get a form. Details for the first meet will be coming soon.
The coaches are excited to see everyone!