Signage in Squamish, BC!

Mrs. Van Winkle took this picture of the bathroom signage on a recent trip to Squamish, BC. Love how the little, rural areas of Squamish and Merritt are out-progressing urban centers!

Special Event Planning?

Any ideas for a Christmas party? Perhaps a pre- or post-exams event? Something to start the new semester off right? Come to a meeting on Tuesday or Thursday to make some plans!

Spirit Day (GO PURPLE) and Halloween Party

Tuesday is our last chance to make plans for promoting Spirit Day (anti-bullying/support LGBTQ youth); Thursday October 17 is GO PURPLE! Also, the date and activities must be confirmed for our Halloween Party. Please voice your opinions and participate to make these events happen :)

Progressive Attitudes in Merritt BC!

When my family and I travel by car, we stop a lot. We like snacks and we have to use the bathroom frequently (okay, that's just me). We saw something cool on the doors of the male and female bathrooms at the Information Center just as you enter Merritt coming from Chilliwack. See photo :)

Meetings in C123 this week!

We will meet Tuesday and Thursday in C123. I am away on Thursday, but feel free to discuss the SBNN wristband fundraiser and any other ideas you'd like to pursue. See you next week :)

Welcome :)

We had an awesome group turn-out today! We decided our regular meetings will be held in C123 (Mrs. Klassen's room) on TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. Tuesdays will be a social hang-out time and Thursdays will include the "business" we'd like to discuss. Today, we talked about the progress made regarding access to a gender-neutral bathroom (request a key at the counseling office) and the progress we'd like to see continue. We also chatted about fundraising (pizza sales tomorrow) and involving VMS' NOH8 Club in a SBNN (Straight But Not Narrow) wristband event. Think about events you'd like the group/school to participate in,and which ones you'd like to organize or be a part of an organizing team. Let's plan a social activity to welcome new members and enjoy ourselves :) Tell your friends and invite others to participate. Everyone is welcome!

Have a wonderful summer :)

Good luck on your exams!  Stay in touch with each other and I'll continue to update this blog from time to time.  I look forward to seeing you again in the fall.  Grads, drop me an email sometime to let me know how things are going :)  Happy summer everyone!

Meeting on Thursday June 6

Final plans for the year-end party will be made at this week's meeting.  Grads...pay attention to the dates and times of special events this week (Awards and Commencment).  Bring your suggestions and questions to the lunch meeting or see me when you can :)

New Stuff...

Check out the video contest link below, or go to Out In Schools for more details.

Don't forget (Grade 12s) that the Pride Education Network scholarship application deadline is June 5!

Gatsby was GREAT!

A bunch of us met at the theater last night and enjoyed The Great Gatsby...a visually stunning film that remained true to the original story by Fitzgerald yet modernized enough to attract contemporary fans :)

We will finalize our plans for the year-end party on Thursday at lunch in C125.

We're BACK!!

Come to the theater at lunch on Thursday May 23 to hear about the conference in Toronto and to plan for our end-of-year party with the middle schools!

Bon Voyage :)

Come to the Theater at lunch today to chat about the OUTShine conference happening this weekend (how excited is Maecyn?!), see some videos and finalize June party date.

Cool Stuff!

Thank you to the Pride Education Network for awarding our GSA a $300 bursary for our advocacy of LGBTQ youth.  Well done Sardis Gay Straight Alliance!

Thank you to Mr. Testa for his support of our upcoming trip to the OUTShine Conference in Toronto...the school has donated $500 to help cover our costs.

Check out Kate Reid's website...she tweeted about us!  She's in Ontario now, touring with her Queer Across Canada album.  She also gave us FREE download cards for her last two albums.  Mrs. Klassen still has a few left, so come to C125 if you want some great free music.

Location Change for Thursday April 25

Mrs. Klassen has a case conference at lunch next week, so Maecyn will be sharing some videos (a couple heartwarming, a few very funny) with you in the McAstocker Theater on April 25.  Bring your lunch and have some laughs!

Great meeting today!

Thank you for facilitating a wonderful discussion with Mr. Testa today at lunch.  We offered our proposal and advocacy for a gender neutral student bathroom.  Mr. Testa shared our concerns and added his thoughts regarding student safety and school policy.  All in all, it looks like an excellent compromise will be reached for implementation in the fall.  Congratulations :)

Date for Kate Changed!

Our last meeting before Spring Break is this Thursday in C125...Kate Reid was able to accommodate the date change, so she will be here Friday APRIL 5!  We will have lunch with her prior to the show.  See Mrs. Klassen after Spring Break for a class release form so you may attend the show in Period 3.  The signed class release is your ticket to the show.

Check out the new video sent in by Aidan.  Charlene Strong is an amazing gay woman who turned great personal tragedy into Family Rights Equality legislation in Washington State.  A very sad but inspiring story infused with humour.  Have a look!

Meet in McAstocker Theatre on Thursday

We will meet on Thursday at lunch as usual, but we will use the McAstocker Theatre as I'd like to show you the updated blog and some of the links.  Bring your lunch and I'll see you there:)

Kate Reid is amazing!

Mrs. Klassen saw Kate Reid's performance at Bozzini's lounge on February 9.  Kate is awesome, funny and so talented with the guitar & harmonica!  Check out the links to hear/see some of her songs.  Can't wait until April 4!

OUTShine Here We Come!

The SSS GSA  has been selected to send a delegation to the first national GSA conference in Canada!  Mrs. Klassen and Maecyn will be attending the conference over the May long weekend.  We have already started fundraising to cover conference registration and flight costs.  Maecyn will be reporting back to Alliance members and may present to the staff as well after the conference.  What an opportunity!  Thank you to Mr. Testa and many Sardis Secondary staff who have offered their congratulations and financial support:)

Gearing up for Semester 2!

We've set a tentative date for the Kate Reid performance:  April 4.  The Be the Change Committee is willing to work with us to help cover costs and support the message.  Kate will be performing at Bozzini's restaurant in the lounge upstairs (adults only) if your parents are interested in checking her out.

There will be no meeting during the exam week (whew!), but you are welcome to contact me by email if you have any questions or concerns that can't wait:)

We will be applying to go to the OutShine conference and may need to step up our fundraising efforts if we are accepted.  Advertisements for the FIRST NATIONAL GSA CONFERENCE are posted in C125, in the hallway, in Ms. Irani's room and the counselling area.  Visit MyGSA (link below) for more information.

Sherlock showings will begin again on February 14, Valentine's Day.  Party!