The Crusader News Official Student Newspaper of St. Paul’s High School Volume 76 Issue 4
AMDG
Crusader Rugby Champsionship Read as Crusader Rugby player, Nathan Macdonell ’23 recounts the rugby trip to St. Louis, as well as the undefeated regular season, leading to the Crusader taking home both the city and provincial Rugby championship.
June 2023
A Tribute to Yash Varma
Read more on pg. 6.
Pages 2 & 3
Uniqueness: A Student’s Perspective Naren Sivasankar ’23
Wherever you go at each stage in your life, you meet all sorts of people, each with different interests and personalities. This is simply known as uniqueness. Uniqueness can be analyzed through different means, one of which is social interaction. Some may fit in whilst others may have a harder time. Although feeling like an outcast is universal for everyone, I have felt it at a very personal level. In the early years of my childhood, I knew I was different. Lots of people may not know this about me, but I have autism. During those early years, everyone seemed to be into the same things such as playing in the sandpit and creating paintings. However, the isolation factor kicked in when I reached middle school and high school. From there I discovered that everyone’s palette of interests expanded and became quite selective over time. People would find their groups and engage in enticing dialogue about their interests, whether it be sports or just anything in common. Continued on pg. 4.
Abnormal Normalcy Isaac Lavitt ’25 This year was normal. That is abnormal. Over the past three years, the world has been struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. As we have returned to normalcy, we gained insight in our year without COVID and we grew as individuals and as a community. Among the restrictions and irregularities, we found a place for ourselves. Still learning, we fought to find a status quo. As football, debate, and drama started their seasons, some joined, while other watched from the socially distanced sidelines. However, the year trudged onwards.
By March 15, restrictions were dropped; March 26 signalled the reunion of SPHS, BH, and SMA at The Walk. Throughout this time, the community was rebuilt. By June, hope for complete normalcy was in the air.
Student Council Farewell
Maroon and White Farewell
Everyone Welcome
The Student Council was busy this year, trying to re-establish school traditions and events. Led by president Jacob Brisebois ’23 and vice president Noah Friesen ’23, they organized a variety of initiatives for the school and broader community. Read Jacob’s farewell addres on pg. 7.
Composed of a dedicated group of grade 12 students, the 20222023 Maroon and White society had a very productive year of service and leadership, raising over $10,000 for community organizations, leading masses and helping at school events. Read M&W president, Caleb Pereira’s farewell address on pg. 7.
In the fall of 2021, we returned for the first full year since the lockdowns. Grade nine students entered the school with face masks and apprehension, not knowing St. Paul’s before the world was turned upside-down. We looked onto a community that should have existed but was splintered.
Continued on pg. 4.
June 2023 marked St. Paul’s High School’s second “Everyone Welcome” campaign, featuring a student presentation, educational resources, a tie-dye event, and more. Read as Liam Galaugher ’23 and Varen Bautista ’23 write about the importance and message of this campaign on pg. 5.