Mr.Kleats

2610 McKenzie Street

Penticton, British Columbia,

V2A 6H7

May 25, 2011

Mr.Kleats

Central High School

123 Main Street

Sportstown, British Columbia

V2A 1W3

Dear Mr. Kleats

My name is Avery Lawrence and my daughter Arabella, has been a part of your athletic team for a good portion of the year.  Firstly I would like to start on a positive note and personally thank your for your efforts towards her soccer team. Your commitment and diligence towards the children’s learning is much appreciated. I am thankful for your seemingly warm-hearted attempts to better our community.

While Arabella immensely enjoys her sports and has no criticism of your coaching strategies directly, I can not quite argue the same. While attending a variety of practices and games I have noticed some behaviours that have arrived that come as a concern to me as a parent.

While dropping Arabella off, I have observed that you have not been present and your punctuality could be more pristine. This presents concern as a parent, with my child being unsupervised which comes with unease in this day and age of all the predators that seem to be lurking. In addition all the children look up to you, Arabella included, and I believe by demonstrating good attendance to them, it would in turn teach them the value of being punctual for any activity they may participate in. 

In addition to being active and exciting the practices seem to lack a general sense of organization. As a full time Pediatrician myself I understand the strain of trying to fit in a job, alongside parenting, let alone a whole soccer team into your schedule. If I may suggest, I think an assistant coach would work wonders for the team. It would let you be a little more relaxed and less rushed in your life. As well as structuring the practices and aiding in the children's skill development. This addition would let you focus more on the skill development of each child rather than what drill is next and how you are going to set it up.As a parent I can affirm that my child has a better sense of learning when there is structure, whether that be in a practice or during school hours in class.

Even I can contest that winning is important and reflects directly with the players abilities. Yet at the age of 5 Arabella and her teammates are not at a level where one player should play longer than the next. All parents pay the same registration fee, which in turn should reflect their child's playing time. I completely understand the importance of winning, as on the sidelines I love to hear the roar of the children after a win. Yet I believe it should be more fun than the pressure to win, and the disappointment when that goal is not achieved. However with that said I understand the concept of drilling it into their heads that we play, to play our best and not to fool around.

Lastly Arabella is a very shy child and at times you excitement can get the best of you, likewise the parents on the sideline. Unfortunately I have observed that your excitement comes across as frustration, which seems to put the children in a stage of unease. Nevertheless I understand that you as any of us parents can get caught up in the game which is understandable from time to time.

With this said, I hope you take into consideration what has been mentioned. You are an amazing coach Bill and I would be more than happy to talk to you in person if it is to your liking about the concerns mentioned.

Sincerely,

Avery Lawrence

Nobody Panic, They Know What Is Best!

In an age where academics and course load, are both meaningless necessities towards the outcome of our future; we are left with the hope that our education system will fail us in our basic needs. Deflect our rights as students, and cancel out all courses that may help us in the future.

Here at Princess Margaret Secondary School the administration is competent in its disposal of language classes. Yes, they made the perfect money saving technique. They pushed their pennies to go further! By making enough money to get that second cup at Starbucks, rather than educating 16 or so pupils in the fundamentals of Spanish 12. Really, it seems to be a fair trade, by letting our teachers get that boost of afternoon caffeine, which proves to help them reach that three o’clock bell. We in-turn were let off the hook to take a class we really wouldn’t need anyways.

We as students should be thankful that we were relinquished the responsibilities to gain knowledge that is of no use to us in the future. We should be thankful, that we didn’t have to anguish over the stress of adding that extra course to our online university application form. Come-on who really needs Spanish 12? And as for the graduates in 2012, who really needs French 12?

The seniors at this institution of basic learning have the teachers to thank. We have been given the apex of opportunities, the summit of underlying care, and the crown of all dreams. Which is, by the way, the experience of a lifetime, before I introduce this holy experience; I believe a drum roll is in need. Yes ladies and gentlemen we have been given the golden key that will unlock an opportunity so rare, it is unheard of. An opportunity so out of this world you might need to take a seat to prepare yourself. Young children and pregnant women should leave the room, as what is about to be revealed has been proven too much to bear for some. We have been so lovingly forced to spend hundreds of dollars at a university to cover the costs of what could have been learnt in our graduating year.

If I may speak on behalf of all graduating students, we are thankful that we are encouraged to throw our money away so easily. Really, we only worked hundreds of hours to make it. And if it gave you that little extra money to take a trip to Starbucks, it is so worthwhile. In all of my 18 years on this earth, I have never been allowed to be in the presence of a school so gracious and professional, to give an opportunity like this. It would have taken an idiot to transfer schools to take Spanish 12 and miss this rare opportunity. I thank the administration at our school that allowed 16 students this year, and another 13 next year, to go without a course and for looking out for our best interests, rather than for the concerns of a couple dollars. Sincerely, we owe all of the administration many thanks.

If I Die Young- The Band Perry

Signed to Republic Nashville in 2009, The Band Perry released yet another one of thier top hits "If I Die Young" in June of 2010. This single rose to fame becoming the top hit on the Hot Country Songs list, metomorphising to certified platnum promptly after its release date. "If I Die Young" is a connotation to the arrival and preparedness of death. Comparable to the threat of "[t]he sharp knife of a short life", the artist reveals her thoughs that"[she's] had just enough time", in her life. The lyrics are incorporated akin to a poem, with underlying meaning of her point of view in that "if [she] die[s]young", she will accept her death and brace her future in "[his] kingdom". Personification is efforately incorporated into the poem; "Lord make me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother" in this verse the artists harmonizes her optomisim towards her death. She also adds "She'll know I’m safe with you when she stands under my colors", emenating the devotion of love she has towards her mothers safe keeping. The song is blanketed with allusions to heaven and the passing into another kingdom as the artist assumes that heaven is a well known conspet. This allusion is verbalized as Kimberly mentions that "[she]'ll be wearing white when [she] comes into your kingdom". Another use of a poetic devises is the cliche that "life ain't always what you think it ought to be",displaying the notion that the unexpectable usually
becomes the expectable. The audience is intranced with the use of imagery as she depits the picture of being burryed "on a bed of roses", delecate and beautiful all in one. With gracefully written songs and talent to top off their sucess The Band Perry has quickly risen to stardom. Their newest single "You Lie" was released Jaunuary 2011 and is a defenate achievement in thier list of accomplishments.


If I die young bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song
uh oh uh oh

Lord make me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother
She'll know I’m safe with you when she stands under my colors oh and
Life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
ain't even grey, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time

If I die young bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time

And I’ll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
I’m as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I’ve never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand
There’s a boy here in town says he’ll love me forever
Who would have thought forever could be severed by

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time

So put on your best boys and I’ll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no I’ll sell them for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I’m a goner
And maybe then you’ll hear the words I've been singin’
Funny when you're dead how people start listenin’

If I die young bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song
oh oh


The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears; keep them in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them oh

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time

So put on your best boys and I’ll wear my pearls

Dialogue

 "Order, Order in the court" The configuration of the cheery oak mallet summoned attention toward the judge, ceasing all chatter in the atmosphere. The judges bureaucratic voice maintained a peaceful aura, yet I still was on edge. The words that emanated from her fabricated phony smile ensued two things. One I was literally doomed and second we were without a doubt on the run.

 Trivializing the obvious,  "Wanted, highly dangerous" Hue's voice brought me back to the present. His rambling irritating the life out of me. "Do not approach!" A newspaper was clutched in his hands, crumbling under his animosity. His features boiled red, the paper one moment legible was demolished the next. Poor thing never had a chance. "I don't see why you even bother" I retorted "They just make you irate." He muttered something inaudible before pacing the 400 square foot hotel room. A heavy sigh came before me, this routine of banter back and forth was the only accustomed event in our lives. His expression told me he was pondering some overblown fantasy that was beyond his normal levelheadedness. His quick intake of breath, didn't catch me off guard. His excitement bringing along the inevitable as he began to meander. " How do you feel about Australia?" His gaze became mesmerized on my reaction. "No one would ever find us" The childlike hope that brandished him was impressive under the current circumstances. I interjected then, trying not to put him down to hard "How do you suppose we get out of the country". In a desperate state he began, "Well....Well, we could" His voice cut off, his mind probably searching for any remotely realistic idea."Or what about," he whispered "we could.-" stopping again he sat down on the withered, wicker chair, accepting the inevitable.

Warning! Side effects!

 Bullying has dramatically amplify in seriousness around the world, yet as one walks up the cement steps to Princess Margaret Secondary School, all worries and nervousness seems to be left at the door. The atmosphere inside the building mimics that of a secret society. Where teenagers loom the halls and the staff mingle with the undergraduates as if they were their own. In a school of over 700, the closeness and respect that seems to emanate from one student to the next is remarkable. Caucasians seem to dominate the school population, while other ethnics mix in to provide a tapestry of pupils to the euphoric school.

 We seem to be in the era where everywhere else Bullying and Suicide news reports, have become a monthly occurrence, the monstrosity of the crisis sending most administrators and staff into a state of panic. The opposite occurs at Maggie, where mustang pride floats through the air every minute of every hour of every day. Accountability, Integrity and Respect three words that these students seem to live by during the school day.

 In my short visit at Princess Margaret I was able to catch a few students in the hall to ask their opinion on where bullying stands in their school. Archie a future 2011 graduate was optimistic and reassuring towards my question stating “That’s not a problem in our school, if an incident comes up it will be dealt with and shut down before it can get serious.” However, his reassuring outlook did not emanate onto Rose, “There are certainly people in the school you go out of your way to avoid. People who can hurt you, but they are smart enough to do it when teachers aren’t around.” Her statement brought in mixed reviews on this topic, leading me to only one conclusion.

 While most at Princess Margaret try to avoid the topic, or brush it off as if nothing is happening. Under the surface there is a whole world of mistreated students and bullies who seek attention and ego boosts, bringing multiple side effects to gaining an education. We live in a world where nothing is perfect, yet I strongly believe there should be more done in schools to stop this behaviour. What is it going to take for things to change? Does another child have to die for someone to notice, or can things be done now to change the way students feel about school?

Dear mundane world:

I am your savior. My red hair burns away your sins. My blue eyes melt away any attempts of calamity by world terrorists. My smile depletes all plans of world doom. My voice is the reason you feel demur. My hands keep peace with the world. Yet I never miss breakfast.

I am faster than light, but then again I am the Light. Before darkness, I was, and again darkness did not comprehend me. My eyes are as flames of fire and nothing hides from me. Yet I still sleep with the light on.

I am the "I am". Smarter than Einstein. More creative than Van Gogh. Taller than Yao Ming. Even richer than Bill Gates, then again you're rich if you know me. My face is also able to change colors to a bright crimson red, when I am embarrassed or publicly speaking.

My mind parted the red sea. In my spare time I took down Goliath with my biology textbook. I built the Ark in less than 10 hours, filling it in only 5. Astonishingly this morning I was able to drop my blackberry in the snow.

My presence heals the wounded and makes the blind see. I can feed the whole continent of Africa with a basket of bread and a tin of tuna. I haven't just walked on water, I ran across the pacific, not even getting my socks wet. And if you drink of me you will never be thirsty.

One of my lesser accomplishments was creating the universe in 5 days. I rose from the dead after taking a  short nap, just in time to catch an episode of Glee.


I didn't just write the Bible, I am the Bible.


Yet I have never been blessed with the opportunity of attending college.

Retrospect

                                                         Retrospect                                                                                                              

My eyes adjust to the dimness I am bestowed by. I can faintly make out the silhouette of two rustic doors just within my reach, my eyes strain to recognize my surrounding, only to come up short. My fingers grasp the handle, the eroded paint, chips as I turn it. The pressure releases the unknown as the door sways open, a pronounced creak filling my eardrums with a weary feeling of impending doom. The ground dissipates abruptly from underneath me, I am free falling through complete darkness, blinded by my own actions. The wind slaps against my face, dislocating my form, from its natural position as I plummet through the abyss. My eyelashes take over, blinking to absorb the liquid that evades imprisonment by my eyes. As the vagueness of my facial irrigation dwindles into obscurity, I find the scene altered. The wind has suddenly stopped. Everything is at a standstill, I am face to face with the doors again. My hand gravitates towards the opposite door, the cool metal of the knob imprinting its texture onto my palm. For a split second I hesitate to open it, not sure what awaits me behind the aged wood. A beautiful vast maze of nature in its essence comes alive below me, ravishing and intimidating all in one. “Magnificent isn’t it” I turn my head, towards the voice, finding a women, beautifully aged with time. “What is it” I ask, curiosity lining my voice. “Close your eyes and listen.” My eyelids flutter shut. Her warm voice radiates through the air between us “Listen to the sounds of the waterfall, each droplet coming together, feel the excitement of the sun, encouraging you. The endless paths you can embrace upon. Take in the freshness of the unknown, the curiosity of the atmosphere.” “Why are you showing me this?” The corners of her lips turn up in a faint smile, almost as if she was remembering something. I look at her completely and utterly perplexed. Her eyes, as soft as the summer's sky watch my face as I analyze her confident poise. Her eyebrows flex and her forehead wrinkles in a mosaic pattern. Her lips begin to from the words that seem to cement themselves into my mind. “The doors coexisting side by side, in the same room yet world’s apart, grade 12 is a mere reflection of this. It’s your year, but you have to make the best of it. You can choose the first door and free fall through it, going through the motions yet never making anything for yourself. Or you can choose the second door. Invest a little aspiration, and get a harvest of opportunities at the end. Choose to live in the beauty of it. Enjoy everything about the experience, because the clock is always ticking, bringing graduation a second closer with each pulse.