The Invader Updater

Are your voices heard at school? Do you use them? Leaders from the Student Voice forum, led by Mrs. Underhill, joined forces with dozens of other students for a field trip to OELC outside Orillia. Along with helpful teacher volunteers, the teens travelled to the beautiful leadership camp at...

The Global Perspectives program is a fast paced, fully integrated course package that focuses on global issues. On May 20, the students got a chance to display the fruits of their labour in a showcase and presentation at Innisdale before they leave for Germany on Wednesday. Family and friends of...

Two week ago, a number of students competed for the position of Student Trustee. Sam Ali, the Grade 11 Student Council Representative, won, coming out on top over three other candidates. The job of Student Trustee is a paid one: $2500 for the one year term. Students are able to...

Can you spare some change for Pennies for Patients? If you have yet to donate some of your free change, you better hurry. Your change can be put into the small boxes that are in your period one classes. The Pennies for Patients boxes will be collected this Thursday....

The Youth Philanthropy Initiative is a program that awards money to grassroots charities based on student projects. The final judging was held on April 28, when grade 10 students with top presentations from their civics classes spoke about their chosen charities in the Little Theatre. Congratulations to Caitlyn Chard, Hailey...

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "I want freedom for the full expression of my personality." The Gay-Straight Alliance at Innisdale follows this mantra; the students of the club believe in celebrating and supporting everyone's uniqueness and respecting everyone's sexual preference. Looking for ways to get involved and show your...

Bring on the food, the music, and the lights. This spring Neon Night semi-formal will blow your mind. With special lighting anything white will glow, and the gym will be decorated to maximize the effects. There'll be great food, and the DJ won't fail to impress. The dance will go...

On April 14 to the 15th, Innisdale will be participating in the 30 Hour Famine to raise funds and awareness for world hunger in association with World Vision. All participants get pledge sheets and collect donations/sponsors before the date of the famine. World Vision's 30 Hour Famine is a worldwide...

Have you ever heard someone refer to something as 'gay' when they wanted to express distaste for the object in question? Have you ever seen a person being made fun of for not conforming to gender stereotypes, or being mocked for their sexual orientation? Did you want to speak out?...

On April 14th, Innisdale students will partake in thirty hours of fasting, known as the 30 Hour Famine. The goal is to heighten awareness about world hunger, while raising funds though a pledging system. Students who participate in the fast will have a chance to understand how over one...

The grade 10 literacy test is fast approaching! Find the 10 purposeful mistakes in this article to see how your grammar fares... On April 8rd 2010, grade 10 students at innisdale Secondary School will be write the OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test). This is a manditory part of the...

On Thursday, March 11, Innisdale played host to an excellent speech by noted Canadian speaker Kevin Brooks. From his band sticker-endowed wheelchair, Brooks gave an hourlong presentation to Grade 12 students about the dangers of drinking and driving. Brought to our school by Emily Walmsley, under the auspices of the...

On Friday, March 26, Innisdale will be participating in Purple Day with others around the world. People wear purple on the day to support epilepsy awareness. Founded in 2008 by Canadian Cassidy Megan, who struggles with epilepsy, it has since spread around the world and last year 100,000 students,...

Last Thursday, progress reports were distributed to the students of Innisdale. Approximately three weeks into every semester, these sheets of paper are handed out by first period teachers, filled in, and carried from class to class. They are expected to be brought back scrawled with a parental signature; if one's...

In just under three weeks, Innisdale will be hosting its own American Idol, Invader style! However, instead of just singing, this event will welcome students with all sorts of talents. Auditions will begin on Monday March 29th during 3rd and 4th lunch, and the finale will take place Friday April...

Innisdale broke with its usual spirit day modus operandi on Tuesday, March 9. With our Invader girls' volleyball team showing their stuff at OFSAA, Student Council decided to push our last Orange and Blue Day before March Break to coincide. Many Invaders dressed up, and Innisdale did a really great...

On February the 25th, a group of Innisdale students attended the annual ski and snowboard trip to Mont-Tremblant in Quebec. Leaving in the early hours of the morning, on the Thursday of that week, the students were excited to tear up the hills, and begin a four day weekend packed...

This past Friday at Innisdale, the Gay-Straight Alliance held Innisdale's first Rainbow Day. As a part of their campaign against homosexual bullying, which has seen the installation of numerous posters decrying the use of the words 'faggot', 'dyke' and 'gay', the spirit day was designed to raise Invader awareness of...

All right Invaders, it's that time of year again. No school! Only for a week though, so enjoy your March Break while it lasts. This year, students have a school-free week from March 15th to 19th. Take advantage of the time to catch up on your homework, or, if that's...

A devastating earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010. This was a shocking event to the world, especially only twelve days into the new year. It was also shocking to Innisdale's Social Justice Club and because of the overwhelming circumstance, Social Justice decided to hold a garage sale...

The Black History Month Club has been hard at work since September to organize an assembly emblematic of everything BHM stands for. On Friday, February 26th, they found that their efforts were not in vain. The seventy-five minute presentation consisted of spirited singing and dancing, and a skit that took...

They make sure the floors are clear of debris, they make sure the bathrooms are clean and fully stocked, they make sure the garbage is under control and so much more. Who are they? The Custodians! The custodial team at Innisdale works extremely hard to keep our school looking its...

On January 18 and 19, Grade Nines across Ontario who had math first semester took the EQAO math test. This test is administered to measure student success in the public school system, or, in other words, to prove to our parents that their tax dollars are being spent well. It...

Think quick Invaders! Course selections are here and you better be ready. It's time for grade nines to have some choice, and tens and elevens to look at their future a little more closely. There are tons of fun courses to choose from, and all you have to do is...

Valentine's Day may not be on a school day, but that can't stop our Invaders from loving. Once again, multi-coloured hearts with the names of all of the students will be taped to the Great Hall Windows on Friday 12, 2010. You can find your own name and give it...

Innisdale didn't wait long into the new year before the first spirit day of 2010 was held. On Friday, January 15th, students decided to make a little change, spice up the school day and confuse the teachers. Some students changed to become identical to someone else, while others inherited a...

Last Wednesday night Innisdale's doors were opened to next fall's grade nines for the annual 'Grade Eight Night. ' The Guidance Department and Leadership class teamed up to make a truly outstanding event with nearly 600 people in attendance. The grade eight's and their families were first welcomed with a...

What better way to show your school spirit is there than to participate in one of Innisdale's spirit days? The first one of the year takes place this Friday with the perennially enjoyable Twin Day. Get together with a friend or two (or three) and coordinate your outfits! In the...

These days at Innisdale, it seems that most of the free places to eat lunch are those where nobody wants to sit, because there is too much garbage. The amount of trash in the Great Hall and the cafeteria has been exceptionally bad this year. This could be due to...

With the end of 2009 came the Holiday Assembly, a spirited gathering leading way to holiday cheer. Included in the event were dances and songs by the school's various clubs and classes, including Smooth, If I Could Read Your Mind, and I Will Survive. The Christian Club also performed O...

On Monday, December 14, the children of Innisdale's staff had their annual Christmas bash. Featuring games, crafts, a visit from Santa, and a pizza dinner, the party rang in the holiday season a few weeks early. The school was decorated and Christmas carols played as the gym filled with teachers...

Innisdale is a stone's throw away from one of the most renowned skating institutions in the country. But how many give a thought about figure skating? The graceful sport that combines strength, stamina, and technical skill with dance, music, artistry, and a bit of flare, figure skating is a sight...

What a show I must say, as it was a great show, a show by which none will surpass in my mind. The show that I give praise to was the show put on by our very own drama students here at Innisdale, in the Little Theatre last week over...

The second annual "Reading Week" was a success! Innisdale's participation in Invade Canada encouraged students to read to a chosen destination in Canada. The winner who reached their destination this year was Ms. Klein's class, who won a trip to Tree Top Trekking and the runnerup was Mrs. McCubbin's class,...

There's no "ba humbug" at Innisdale! On Wednesday, December 2, 2009, Invaders showed their true Christmas spirit by donating spare change in their first period classes. In total, about $350 was raised from this Miracle Minute effort. The Creation of Hope Project, adopted by the Social Justice club as their...

The football banquet is truly the end of the season for the Invader football team for it is the last time that the teams are together as a unit. Despite how the season went, it allows the players to share their experiences of the past season, reminisce on past...

On Tuesday, December 1st, the Cafetorium was filled with not only the sounds of Christmas joy, but also a variety of amazing performances involving cultures from around the world. The holiday spirit was shown by all of the fantastic musicians, singers, conductors, and even the teacher or two that joined...

Come one, come all, to the Innnisdale theatre production of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens, "a Christmas Carol". The tale of how a grouchy, spiritless, old man found peace and meaning to life through the help of three spirits, is spectacularly portrayed by Innisdale's very own drama class...

On Monday morning during second period, an intentionally-set small fire in a main floor washroom near the Student Council office set off the fire alarms, prompting staff and students to evacuate to the Allandale Recreation Centre. Students were kept in the centre while Barrie Fire Services quickly put out the...

It's not a particularly common occurrence for Innisdale to have three drills in a week, and, of course, it wasn't planned. Monday's Code Red was the only thing planned to take place. But Wednesday and Friday's fire alarms were unanticipated by the student body, staff and administration alike. During fifth...

On Saturday November 28th 2009, the Innisdale DECA club traveled to Georgian College to compete in the Nor-Eastern DECA regional championships. Innisdale competed in seventeen competitive events (eleven individual and six partnership), and dominated at the event with medals in ten of the seventeen categories and 33 top six ribbons....

Once a semester, Innisdale tests its students with a Code Red. Meant to simulate the atmosphere of a hostage situation or gun crisis, the program is an important component of any school's protection system. A simple routine unfolds upon the sounding of the alarm: the lights go off, the doors...

Invaders got some extra time in the morning on a lazy Friday November 20th. Pajama Day was in full swing as students decked out in cozy PJ bottoms, bathrobes, slippers, and even a stuffed creature or two. These days are a great way to show your school spirit in a...

Tickets go on sale Thursday for Innisdale's perennially popular Winter Semi-Formal. With a unique, global theme, attendees will enjoy food from many nations, be treated to lots of great scenery, and, of course, have a really great time. The dance will go from 7:00 until 10:00 on Friday, December 4,...

Last year's 'yearbookers' had their final pizza party last Monday to celebrate the 2008/2009 'Stranger than Fiction' yearbook being awarded with a First Place certificate from the Canadian Yearbook Review. The reviewing process is very meticulous and examines every aspect of the Yearbook in eight different categories: Overall Organization, Cover,...

The Christmas season is a time of the year to celebrate family, friends, and for many, faith. In today's society, Christmas also celebrates materialism. We can be so busy worrying about our own Christmas plans that we often forget to stop and think about all of those children who don't...

To help raise money, Innisdale's Student's Council planned fun days all throughout United Way Week. Starting off with Pumpkin Carving, the week before Halloween, the events continued on through the next week, with something everyone at Innisdale could enjoy. United Way fund-raising started off with Pumpkin Carving, which happened on...

Innisdale, let's celebrate Student Success! The Innisdale Student Council sponsors the Outstanding Student of the Month program to promote success in and out of the classroom. Typically, only students that excel academically or athletically get recognition and it is usually given to the same students repetitively. Students that do not...

Was anyone wondering where all the grade nines were last Wednesday? Well, the reason that third lunch was so empty is that they were participating in Take Your Kid to Work Day, where they got a taste of what their parents do while we are in school. Take Your Kid...

With Jordan Huber Hey there Invaders, have you heard? United Way is approaching fast and there is a lot to do this year! Do you know what United Way is? Do you want to help donate to all of those in need? Do you want to have some fun for...

Halloween dates back over 2,000 years ago, as a Celtic festival. The Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st and believed that the night before the New Year, the worlds between the living and dead became blurred, and ghosts returned to earth. For the celebration, they would build bonfires...

On Friday, October 23, during period one, students, along with friends and parents, gathered in the cafetorium to receive awards at Innisdale's Awards Assembly. There was a collection of students from every grade who received awards from a variety of subjects. The week before, students in their first period class...

Well Invaders, we are almost halfway through semester one. Only a few more months until we are into exams and then, before we know it, semester two. This time of year calls for Innisdale's yearly tradition: progress reports, then parent teacher interviews. Whether or not they had the 'interview requested'...

Witches, pumpkins, and ghosts, oh my! To some that may be something from a bad dream or horror movie, but to others it just signals that their favourite holiday is drawing nearer. With Halloween approaching quickly, Innisdale is getting into the spirit and is hosting a Halloween dance in the...

The year's first Coffee House is upon us! Come join Social Justice and the Music Department in celebrating the talents of our local and scholarly artists at what hopes to be one of many coffee houses this year, October 27th. You might be asking, "What is coffee house, exactly?" As...

On October 8, 2009, around seven o'clock in the evening, family and friends gathered to celebrate Commencement with the graduates of 2009. The event was put together with help from the teachers and students of Innisdale. Mrs Parnell's Leadership class devoted their day to help set up and some volunteered...

Hey Invaders! It's that time of the year again. Progress reports are now well on their way. Make sure you impress your teachers with your charm and attitude to get those good comments and results. Here are the Maria-Crystal ways to impress: Dress to impress. If you want to get...

Congratulations to Christina Robertson and Cassidhe Gardiner, who are Innisdale's new grade nine representatives in Student Council. Due to lack of nominations, Student Council was unable to hold elections on October 9. In their new position both Christina and Cassidhe look forward to making the school a better place. When...

Everyone at Innisdale had something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Innisdale students and staff showed their support for the community by bringing in food items and cash donations for the Thanksgiving Food Drive. We can all be proud of the efforts and results of this event. Chantal Young, the...

On September 24th, hailing from Barrie's sister city, Zweibrucken, Germany, Innisdale's newest, albeit temporary, additions landed on the tarmac. After a seven-hour flight from Frankfurt, Germany, the German exchange students participating in Global Perspectives 2010 have finally arrived. The Global Invaders and their German counterparts have been emailing one another...

Listen up Grade Twelves! Do you know what you want to do after your final year here at Innisdale? If college or university is in your future make sure to check out the colleges and universities that will be coming to Innisdale to help you make your decision. Thursday October...

After a week of raising money and a barbeque on Thursday and Friday, the annual Terry Fox Run has come and gone. Ms. Parnell's leadership class planned another successful event and for such a great cause. "The Terry Fox Run actually turned out a lot better than I thought...

The orange and blue was worn with pride once again for the annual Grade 9 Orientation Day, on Thursday, September 17. Invaders took to the streets and made their way to Park Place for a day filled with games, cheers and fun. The sun was shining, the spirit was rising...

Several hundred Innisdale students were just sitting down in first period when the power went out this morning. Caused by a power crew doing repairs down the street, the blackout lasted nearly an hour. Classes with access to natural light were allowed to continue after fifteen minutes of relaxation, and...

Well, Invaders, exams are fast approaching, and Invaders of all kinds are celebrating their year's accomplishments. Each Wednesday in the past two weeks, and this week, groups of Innisdale students have headed to Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan to wrap up their year on a high note. First to go were...

Each May, Innisdale elects its future representatives on Student Council. Over the course of the week before the official elections, candidates are given the option to campaign using posters, publicity and traditional handshaking. This year is an unusual year for Innisdale in that it brings several spirited rivalries to a...

Innisdale students participated in the 30 Hour Famine on Thursday, April 23rd and Friday, April 24th. Organized by Student Council, the event raises money and awareness for World Vision by having students go hungry for thirty hours. Raising more than $1,000, the event was a major success. A delicious breakfast...

On Thursday, April 30th, Innisdale will be going underwater. Starting at 7:00 PM, our Under the I.S.Sea Semi Formal will take place in the Cafetorium. Student Council has been working around the clock to make this year's Semi an amazing experience, and it shows: pieces have been commissioned from the...

On Wednesday, April 1st, Social Justice's Miracle Minute took place during first period. Students were invited to bring in as much money as they could, and during a one-minute musical interlude in first period, collect it all together. The event was a huge success, raising money for Social Justice's ongoing...