St. Robert CHS Student News
Parnian Esmaeilishayeh (12) | STAFF REPORTER
High school students have been sacrificing sleep to complete more work per day and to “feel more productive.” Not only is this lack of sleep counterproductive, but it also leads to more harm in the long run.
Angela Xiao (9) | STAFF REPORTER
November 15, 2024 marked the long awaited match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. This highly anticipated event brought in a whopping 74 million viewers, but it was indeed left with much disappointment and uncertainty. Though the scores clearly portrayed Jake Paul as the winner, many, including myself, believe otherwise.
Sarah Morra (12) | Staff Reporter
Each year, it seems as though fear is instated within many, with inflammatory speculations of the commencement of world war three. Rumors begin to spread, comments are made, all based on a supposed cold war we are in the midst of. The center of these concerns is based around the Russia-Ukraine war — but how exactly are the tensions building, what are the factors that have lead to this, and what does this entail?
Emily Yang (10) | STAFF REPORTER
In a society where liberty prevails in politics, technology, economy, etc., a more pressing concern becomes disregarded: the freedom from hunger and thirst. Food insecurity has always been a defining challenge of developing countries, but the span of both food shortages and climate challenges in agriculture has slowly expanded in the past decades to developed countries as well. One possible solution to global food security would be the rising practice of vertical farming.
Melanie Lau (10) | STAFF REPORTER
On Saturday, November 9th, hundreds of STR students, all a part of the school’s DECA team, competed in the regional competition to bring home 174 awards. A special congratulations to the 27 who had podium finishes and the 12 first place winners!
Ziyou Li (10) | STAFF REPORTER
For Grade 10 students at STR, the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, or OSSLT, is a mandatory evaluation. The Education Quality and Accountability Office conducts the test, which evaluates students reading and writing. The OSSLT was held on November 19 and 20 this year and included both multiple-choice and short-answer questions with a focus on written communication, investigation, and understanding. In Ontario, passing the OSSLT is a requirement for graduation, and students must pass it in order to obtain their diploma.
In order to prepare students for success in the classroom and in their jobs, the OSSLT is essential. Success in high school, post-secondary education, the workforce, and daily life all depend on having strong literacy abilities, particularly in reading and writing. The ability to read clearly and write well is a lifelong ability that will benefit students, regardless of whether they choose to pursue further education or employment. In light of this, the OSSLT is more than simply a test, it’s a chance for students to show that they are prepared for the difficulties that lie ahead.
Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER
It is not new news that Taylor Swift is here in Toronto performing for her Eras tours. She is everywhere, promoting her sold out concert with posters on public transport, large billboards throughout the city and much more. She is all the rave and, until Taylor leaves, it’s all you will hear about. However, this concert is doing Toronto more bad than good as the city stops focusing on its priorities to cater to Swift’s concert and fans.
Trevor Wu (11) | STAFF REPORTER
Our own Social Justice Council in collaboration with the Senior Smiles Club recently hosted the Sending Sunshine event to support the elderly in our community. This took place on Tuesday, November 19 in the cafeteria after school. The goal of the workshop was to write positive letters of encouragement to eventually be sent to seniors. The Senior Smiles Club has partnered with an elderly home in order to provide for the local community. This was an excellent opportunity for students to accumulate volunteering hours, while creating a positive impact for those who might need it. Many elderly individuals experience lots of emotional distress, whether due to old age, loss of loved ones, or loneliness. Sometimes even just receiving a cheerful, heartfelt letter is all they need.
Eva Guo (10) | STAFF REPORTER
In the spring of 2024, waves of Canadian students rallied on university campuses. Their goal? To show solidarity for Palestinians affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict, a push for greater awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza resulting in… zero meaningful change. While these protest encampments generated media attention, and the passion of these students is undeniable, such demonstrations are ineffective in furthering their cause and can even deter others from lending their support.
Anya Yang (11) | STAFF REPORTER
Specialized programs admissions are changing more than ever all over the public education system. Dubbed “voluntary program(s) that uses alternative instructional strategies that respond to individual student needs and learning styles”, students who are especially interested in certain topics have the opportunity to receive a more focused education in those areas. In the past admissions have mostly been based on standardized testing, interviews and written applications, but recently they have become “interest-based”, meaning anyone can apply regardless of skill, making it a lottery: anyone can get in, and luck will determine the final decision.