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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 2, 2008 - 19 Ecole Forest Trail's roots already strong By Paloma Migone SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Music, laughter and applause filled Ecole Forest Trail's gymnasium as students celebrated their first school year with an official grand opening ceremony on Wednesday. More than 680 students gathered in the gym, displaying fake tattoos on their cheeks -- a coyote paw and a statement that read, "Where heart and mind grow...together and strong." The phrase represents the core value of the school. Within the school's first year, students have achieved major accomplishments, such as four awards at the Oakville Spelling Bee, five pennants for Halton's Cross Country competition and a French-speaking contest (Le Concourse d'art Oratoire) award. On Wednesday, they assembled to highlight their success and look toward the future. "We are extremely proud to showcase for you the new branches that are growing in our forest such as the celebration of French culture, the academic successes in both our French and English programs, the athletic honours, the strength of our arts programs, the development of new friendships and the student leadership," said Catherine Briggs, principal of Ecole Forest Trail. Her speech was followed by Grade 1 students waving their hands, bouncing and occasional hugging, while singing, L'arbre est dans ses feuilles. "We our so proud you have such a good French immersion school like this. It's our pleasure to see your school blossom. It's our pleasure to congratulate you on such a wonderful start to your school," said Mayor Rob Burton, who was followed by Forest Trail's skipping demonstration team. The school's skipping team is one of four in the region, funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Its members travel to schools throughout Halton to help kick off fundraising. "This is a very interesting time. You are not only building a new school, but a new life and culture," said Wayne Joudrie, director of education for the Halton District School Board. Other speakers included Chris Alexiou, principal of Ecole Pine Grove, who presented Forest Trail with a tree painting, and also Maureen Weinberger, president of Elementary Teachers Federation Ontario Halton. Throughout the ceremony, students displayed their many talents. The gym was taken over by the PHOTOS BY KAREN NEWMAN / OAKVILLE BEAVER FOREST TRAIL FESTIVITIES: Ecole Forest Trail was alive with celebration as its students marked its grand opening. At left, Sara Walshe, Paige Canning and Brianne Hanson perform the schools dance team gold medal performance. Above top, from left, Viktor Korolyuk, Esteban Lerzundy, Alexandra Podkoscielny, Matthew Kim, Nicolas Huiskamp, Kareena Braich and Madison Tester sing at the assembly; and, Krisalyn-Rose Barnett (on the left) and the rest of the schools skipping team perform at the ceremony. beat of Smash Mouth's All Star, played by the school's concert band. Then, the award-winning dance team began moving to the tune of Hairspray's You Can't Stop the Beat. The team won a gold medal at Kiwanis Dance Festival for its performance. Forest Trail's choir also participated in the ceremony. It sang the "tree song" and later officially unveiled the school's song, Ecole Forest Trail School Song. The celebration ended with a digital slide show of memorable school year moments that had students clapping, cheering and laughing as "strong roots branching into the future." Invites you to a TAX empowerment session featuring: Alex Doulis The author of "Tackling the Taxman" · · · · · He will discuss: How to keep Canada Revenue Agency from controlling your investments and your life How the Income Tax Act is currently being abused Your rights and obligations as a Canadian taxpayer The difference between audit and investigation What you need to do when CRA comes calling Mr. Doulis is a noted expert and best selling author on offshore investing, banking and asset protection. He has authored a number of books including: "Take Your Money and Run", "My Blue Haven", "The Bond's Revenge", "Tackling the Taxman" and "Lost on Bay Street". Windsor Kitchener London Oakville 24-April-08 29-April-08 8-May-08 15-May-08 Event Schedule: 7:00 - 9:0 0 p.m. 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Caboto Club (Windsor) Holiday Inn (Kitchener) Lamp Lighter Inn (London) Holiday Inn Select (Oakville) Note: · Registration starts 1/2 hour prior to the event · Free attendance for the first 200 people (must register at least one week prior to the event), or · Pay $60.00 at the door RSVP: Phone (519) 748-2400, Email: info@foundationfm.com