St. Robert CHS Student News
Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER
There are various support systems implemented to aid teens with their mental health. However, the number of mental health issues among teens continues to grow at an alarmingly high rate. As the problem becomes louder, society becomes quieter by putting in weak efforts to support the crisis.
Eva Guo (10) | STAFF REPORTER
As society treads the path towards equality and fairness, especially regarding gender, one unjust roadblock stands in the way: the pink tax. This term refers to the higher price of women’s products in comparison to those of their male counterparts — razors, deodorants, and most concerning of all, feminine hygiene products. These price differences are not only unfair but also unethical.
Angela Xiao (9) | STAFF REPORTER
While our world is continuously changing and growing, there is still one question yet to be answered. Regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, this long history of debate has divided up many. Of course, it is none other than the long rivalry between cats and dogs, with the question remaining of which is better.
Parnian Esmaeilishayeh (12) | STAFF REPORTER
In 2021, Nova Scotia implemented an opt-out system for organ donation. This means that unless an individual opts out, they are an organ donor (“Request to opt out of organ and tissue donation”). Many other provinces in Canada are considering whether this system is ethical. In 2020, 276 people died waiting for organ transplants (Canadian Blood Services). Upon implementing an opt-out system, organs will become less scarce and more lives will be saved. Mandatory organ donation increases the availability of organs by raising awareness of the significance of organ donations, making it easier to become an organ donor, and normalizing organ donation.
Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Art is often created to reflect society by revealing the state of something at a specific time or place. It allows spectators to see things from a variety of perspectives other than our own. However, art pieces don’t solely have to be perceived as a representation of society but instead be viewed from the context of the artist.
Angela Xiao (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Graffiti’s two sides of a coin can be seen as art or vandalism. While many may disapprove of this artform, it can also be used as an artistic expression for beauty, to convey messages, or for protests. Most times, this artform is done illegally and without permission; however, Graffiti should most definitely be allowed — just to a certain extent.
Eva Guo (10) | STAFF REPORTER
Art is a window to the soul — an artist’s ideas and emotions of poured onto a canvas through tremendous amounts of creativity and dedication to their craft. Every mark is made with intent and a story behind it. That is of course until AI entered the scene. AI art, as the name suggests, are images or ‘artwork’ made by generative AI. In recent years, generative AI has become more and more popular, with even major companies using AI generated images in promotional material. However, since its development, AI has been surrounded by controversy and numerous ethical concerns.
Parnian Esmaeilishayeh (12) | STAFF REPORTER
Many are unaware of the capabilities of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is “the study and manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular level—specifically, matter that’s 1 to 100 nanometres in size” (Government of Canada). Nanotechnology was invented in 1959 by Richard Feynman; he described it as having the ability to “arrange atoms one by one, just as we want them” (“Richard Feynman: There’s plenty of room at the bottom’, Nanotechnology lecture – 1959 — Speakola”). The potential of nanotechnology is leading to revolutionary breakthroughs in many fields, one of which is global warming. Nanotechnology can remove greenhouse emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuels, though there are doubts regarding its effectiveness due to its high costs, health risks, and environmental concerns.
Emily Yang (10) | STAFF REPORTER
On September 1, 2024, Ontario, several Canadian provinces, including Ontario, dictated a widespread cell phone ban in elementary and secondary schools, leaving some content and others fuming. The contrasting perspectives on the restriction beg the question — how effective are these cell phone bans, and should they really have been implemented?
Sarah Morra (12) | STAFF REPORTER
The people of France have been long known for their strong-willed spirits and political involvement. Dating back to the French Revolution in the late 1700s, the French have always fought for their rights and their liberty. This fiery passion to fight for their freedoms lives on to this day. This can be observed in modern French politics where they riot, protest, and are actively involved in the political scene. For example, in January 2024 French farmers were protesting due to subpar wages and lack of environmental protection — this is merely a show of how the French spirit has yet to burn out.