Category: PLP

tPOLs provide an invaluable opportunity for PLP students to reflect on our year—celebrating our many accomplishments and envisioning our growth as learners in the year ahead. During this process, we present examples of our work, showcasing the knowledge we’ve gained through past projects, and making heartfelt declarations about the areas where we seek improvement. This year has been the most transformational and challenging time of my secondary school career, and no matter how hard I think about it, I don’t think I can boil my accomplishments down to a few assignments. Fortunately, my Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV) has already helped me in assessing this year’s projects, allowing me to identify the skills I’ve developed as well as ones that need improvement. So without further ado, here are the values that have guided me to the end of my grade 10 year.

Agency is the value that I have mastered the most. From the start of grade 8, I have always been able to take initiative in my learning, putting 100% of my effort into tasks, and empowering myself to drive my education forward. I have also grown this skill, like learning to seek out resources and support when needed, something grade 8 Izzy would never dream of doing. I’ve used agency in many projects, from my Maker Podcasts to my Change Maker film, putting 100% of what I have into them. I take pride in my agency and have realized how beneficial it is, not only in school but also in life.

Similar to the agency, Conduct, Ethics & Integrity are something else I have been placing it into my work with ease. I am someone who takes full responsibility for the task at hand and takes pride in creating authentic and original work. My Canadian Identity speech was a result of integrity, showcasing my own thoughts with writing and evidence to back it up. I have gotten better at limiting distractions at hand when working, and always treat everyone with kindness and respect. Although I am able to complete these 3 steps, I continue to strive towards improving these skills, as reflecting and growing is one of the most important aspects of being a successful learner.

Since the beginning of my journey in PLP, I have struggled with boundaries between academics and my personal life. I would take on more than I could handle because I thought it was the best option to show how good and hardworking I was as a student. It used to be so bad that I would break down from the stress I put on myself to succeed. Realizing that being a good student isn’t defined by how many tasks you take on, but by how you approach and manage them, helped me shift my mindset toward school. Out Happily Ever After project also helped me with maintaining healthy goals, and slowly, I have been working towards completing my goal of self-regulation. I still have a long way to go, but I am determined to keep improving this skill, and I will continue to do so into next year.

Grade 10 has taught me many insightful lessons. Embracing my VMV has helped foster confidence in my agency, ethical integrity, and self-regulation, enabling me to create authentic work while balancing academic commitments with personal well-being. With a positive mindset and a clear vision for my future, I am excited to tackle new challenges and continue my transformation as a learner. And while I know I am more than ready to move on to grade 11, I can’t help but be a bit frightened by what will await me in September. The jump between grades is massive, and frankly, makes me question how ready I am. But I have my friends, my knowledge, and newly improved skills by my side, as well as tools and experiences that can help me along the way, and right now, that’s as ready as I can be.

To be a change maker, you have to envision the impossible and have the courage to make it happen. Walt Disney was one of those people. He took his dream, even when people said it was crazy, and turned it into a lifelong legacy. For our field study project this year, we studied how Disney’s vision had created a whole world of imagination, leaving lasting impacts on guests around the world.

Before we were able to embark on our life-changing trip to Disney World, we had to learn about Walt Disney and the process behind his transformation from a comic artist to a worldwide phenomenon. We also got to know our project groups and spent time creating our essential questions, as well as doing research on our topics. My overarching question was “How do designers at Disney spark emotion by combining nostalgia and new ideas,” as soon as we took off toward Florida, I was ready to find answers to all of my queries. 

When we got to Disney World, I was immediately captivated by all of it. The parks, the castmates, the overpriced yet delicious food. Everywhere I looked felt like it fit perfectly into the atmosphere, which made our trip and others even more magical. Along with the wonder that travelled with us, I had many wonderful conversations and interviews with cadet mates who helped me get a glimpse of how nostalgia is one of Disney’s most powerful tools.

As we finished our trip and headed home, I started to sort through all the valuable information learned on the journey and filed it away to help me with my video. Back in the classroom, when we were working on our videos, I took all my knowledge of Disney and its designers and poured it all into my video. The editing and voiceovers were tedious, as I wanted to make sure my video displayed all the information I needed as well as making it interesting and entertaining, and I have to say that I am very proud of the finished product. Last week, on May 20th, we showed our videos to each other and our partners at the Change Makers Film Festival. Although I wasn’t able to be there, I was told by others how successful and spectacular the evening was, which made me realize again how lucky I was to be able to go on this trip of a lifetime, and how greatful I am to share my journey through Disney with everyone.

Creativity, collaboration, technology, influence, and design converge to create immersive experiences that reshape our perceptions and interactions with the world. Through the lens of Walt Disney’s vision, we see how imaginative storytelling and innovative design foster emotional connections, drawing on nostalgia while integrating modern elements. This blend not only captivates audiences but also inspires collaboration among creators, harnessing technology to enhance storytelling and engagement. As we explore these experiences, like those encountered at Disney World, we gain new insights and a deeper appreciation for how these elements work together to transform our understanding and engagement with our surroundings.

DI Provincials is where everything comes to an end for us grade 10s. After 2 years of participating in DI, this was the last time we would have the chance to present and perform for our teachers and peers in such a creative and imaginative way. It took a lot of collaboration and dedication to get where we were then, and the process between regionals and provincials made it all feel real.

My group and I, the Marine Team, took first place in the Fine Arts challenge at regionals. It took a lot of work to make that happen, and a lot of effort to overcome some challenges that happened day off. When it was over, we had less than a month to fix the issues with our backgrounds and dance for provincials on April 12th. With the clock ticking and nerves running high, our team rallied together to address every feedback point we received. 

We got a lot of compliments from the appraisers, but our group had some improvements we wanted to make. We fixed the backgrounds, as they had partially fallen apart before, as well as our dance. We practiced over and over to ensure everything came together perfectly. On the day of the provincials, we felt a mix of excitement and anxiety, but our hard work paid off. In the end, we left the stage feeling proud of what we accomplished and grateful for the memories we created together.

In the end, the Marine Team ended in 2nd place. Although we fell one spot from before, I have never felt prouder of our team. We had come a long way from January, and our performances showed how we could place our differences aside and come together to create a performance that we not only could win with but were also extremely proud of. And as we took our final bow, I carried forward not just a trophy, but a lifetime of teamwork, resilience, and unforgettable memories.

What are some of your “unhealthy” habits? Maybe you spend a little too much time scrolling through your phone, skip out on fruits and vegetables, or struggle to stay active. In this project, my class and I explored the wide range of habits that affect our daily lives—and how we can use video to inspire positive change and encourage healthier living.

For my contribution, I focused on the importance of building a routine that’s both flexible and consistent. Over the past few months, I’ve followed a routine that has genuinely improved my well-being. It’s helped me feel more balanced, motivated, and in control—and I wanted to share that experience with others in hopes that it might encourage them to find a structure that works for them too.

The concept of my video centers around four key elements I incorporate into my daily routine: quality sleep, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adaptability. These areas are crucial for many people, and I aimed to show not only how they benefit me, but how they can be tailored to fit anyone’s lifestyle. Ultimately, my goal was to highlight that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You know yourself best, and the routine that helps you thrive might look different from someone else’s. My video reflects that idea—inviting viewers to experiment, adapt, and create healthy habits that feel sustainable and empowering.

Creating the video was the easiest part of the process, thanks to the guidance from my workbook. With a clear plan in place, I collected the media I needed, wrote a script, and began piecing everything together. The voiceovers were a bit challenging—I found myself going back and forth on how I wanted to phrase certain things—but in the end, I produced a video I’m truly proud of. I hope that it not only reflects the effort I put in but also inspires others to consider adding more routine and structure to their own lives.

We can improve the health and wellness of ourselves and others by making intentional, sustainable lifestyle choices and creating environments that support well-being. This includes maintaining balanced routines with regular exercise, nutritious meals, quality sleep, and time for rest and reflection. Just as importantly, fostering open conversations about mental health, setting realistic goals, and encouraging one another through positive support can make a lasting impact. Small changes—like walking more, cooking at home, or taking screen breaks—can add up over time, and when we share these habits and uplift each other, we build a healthier community together.

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has endured for centuries, captivating audiences with its timeless themes of love, fate, and conflict. However, what happens when we take this classic tragedy and reinterpret it for a modern audience through parody? That’s precisely what our parody project aimed to explore—breathing new life into a legendary story by mixing humour and creativity to give the story a new and exciting touch. 

When we were first introduced to this assignment, I was over the moon. Hearing from the other class how much they enjoyed this project made me equally enthusiastic about starting it. From the beginning, our side goal was to make ours better, and I think we accomplished that. But before we could even think of crafting a story, we had to first learn about the one we were adapting.

To bring this project to life, we first immerse ourselves in the story as well as Shakespeare’s language, dissecting the poetic beauty and dramatic weight of the original text. Through reading the translation and acting it out in class, we examine all the ways differently people interpret the play, allowing us to form our creative vision. Alongside this analysis, we do some home learning and in-class discussions on the play, using literary elements and devices to support our arguments. Understanding the way Shakespeare painted a picture of Romeo and Juliet, helped us greatly as we transitioned into the brainstorming process. 

The creation of the idea and the creation processes of the story went hand in hand. Our class spent 2-3 class days bouncing idea after idea around, trying to land on the perfect theme for our parody. In the end, we decided on America vs Canada, where the two star-crossed lovers of the people in power fell in love. Everyone loved it, and when we got split into our acts, I immediately got to writing. It only took a week until we had a fully written script, and after a few run-throughs to make sure everyone was happy, we assigned roles and started memorizing. 

Before we knew it, performance day was here. In my opinion, it couldn’t have gone better. Sure, people messed up some lines or stage cues, but our script was funny, and we overall had a great time performing it. By using parody, we transformed a tragic love story into a comedic performance that still conveyed its central themes, proving that even centuries-old literature can feel fresh, relevant, and enjoyable today. Through humour, we highlighted the absurdity of conflicts based on loyalty and identity while making Romeo and Juliet more accessible to a modern audience. Our analysis of Shakespeare’s language, symbolism, and storyline helped shape our creative vision and allowed us to craft a script that balanced comedy with the play’s original themes. In the end, our performance demonstrated that parody can breathe new life into a classic, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

When I set out to create this podcast, I wanted to capture something deeply personal: the way New York City changed me. I knew the episodes had to be more than just a travelogue; they had to be a reflection of my journey—both physical and emotional. Through storytelling, I explored how the city deepened my family connections, inspired my creative passions, and ultimately solidified my dream of becoming a storyteller.

Choosing the content for the podcast was the easiest part. New York has been a transformative place for me, and the words came naturally. I structured my episodes around my two trips, focusing on the emotions they evoked, the challenges I faced, and the unforgettable moments that shaped my perspective. I wanted to make the audience feel like they were walking beside me—experiencing the bustling streets, savoring the food, and getting lost in the magic of Broadway. What was really the challenge was recording the podcasts. 

Creating the podcast came with its own set of challenges. On the good side, writing the script was incredibly fulfilling. I loved reliving my experiences and finding the right words to convey them. Recording, however, was another story. I quickly realized that speaking a script out loud is very different from writing it. What looked great on paper sometimes felt awkward when spoken, and I had to adjust my pacing and tone to make it sound natural. There were moments where I stumbled over words, struggled with the sound or had to re-record entire sections because they didn’t sound right. The perfectionist in me wanted to get everything just right, which made the editing process longer than expected.

Then there was the technical side of things. Editing audio was both frustrating and rewarding. Learning to balance sound effects, adjust volume levels, and cut out awkward pauses was a trial-and-error process. Using GarageBand was also a struggle, having only used it a few times before, but after a while, I got the hang of it. By the end, I felt like I had developed a new skill set—one that will definitely help me in future creative projects.

This podcast taught me a lot, not just about production, but about storytelling in a new medium. One of the biggest lessons I learned from this project is the importance of authenticity. The best moments in my podcast happened when I let go of perfection and spoke naturally, making the story feel more personal and engaging. Moving forward, I’ll focus more on finding a way to smoothly integrate my sounds better. Some of the effects were a bit abruptly placed, but it added a more authentic sound to my podcast. Most importantly, I learned that perfection isn’t the goal—emotion is. The small imperfections, the pauses, the unpolished moments—they add personality and make a story feel real. This podcast was just the beginning of my journey as a storyteller, and with every new project, I’ll carry these lessons with me, ready to create something even more meaningful next time.

Driving Question: How can I push myself out of my comfort zone to take more risks and achieve more depth in my learning?

These past 6 months have been a transitional phase in my identity as a student and learner. The jump between grade 9 & 10 is not an easy one, and it made me have to rethink what my strengths were, and adapt them to fit the new grades curriculum. It wasn’t easy, but having my Vision, Mission and Values helped me keep on track, and bring all that I had to my work. So for my mPOL this year, I want to reflect on each goal I set, and see if I’ve accomplished it, or if it’s something I should continue to strive towards accomplishing.

My first success behaviour/goal is agency. Agency is the behaviour I have always been most successful at. I put it on my VMV as a reminder to keep working on it, but I think I have fully put it in place in my everyday life as a student and teenager. It has helped me with numerous projects, like my Komagata Maru memorial to this years DI performance. From handing in work on time, to taking responsibility for my own learning and actions, to setting realistic goals, agency has helped me adapt to the whirlwinds of grade 10, and I will continue to use it as I go into grade 11.

My second success behavior, conduct, ethics, and integrity, has been instrumental in shaping my approach to my studies and interactions with others. Upholding strong ethical standards has allowed me to navigate the complexities of high school with a sense of purpose and accountability. By consistently prioritizing honesty and respect in my work, and take pride in creating something original and true to me. This commitment to integrity keeps me aligned with my Vision, Mission, and Values, ensuring that I remain true to myself and my aspirations. This is evident in my projects over these past months, such as my zine on the evolution of human rights, it has helped me write pieces that reflect my own voice, while also enhanced my understanding of the purpose of ethics and integrity. As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that maintaining this standard will be crucial for my continued growth and success in the future.

My last success behaviour, self regulation, is the goal I continue to work towards. I have gotten farther in it than where I was in grade 8, but I’m still striving for perfection. While I continue to set healthy boundaries between academic work and my personal life, I must also accept that it’s okay to have to take extra time on some things in order to maintain my goals and not cause emmense stress. Identifying sources of stress is also a work in progress, but hopefully by the end of my time at Seycove, I’ll have the skill of self regulation to keep me on track and less stressed as I enter university.

To push myself out of my comfort zone and take more risks in my learning, I can start by actively seeking opportunities that challenge my current skill set, such as finding more extracurricular activities that pique my interest. Embracing a growth mindset will allow me to view failures as valuable learning experiences, motivating me to take bigger risks without the fear of negative outcomes. Additionally, I can cultivate deeper connections with peers and mentors who inspire me to step outside my familiar routines and explore new perspectives. Finally, setting specific, measurable goals related to my learning can help me track my progress and celebrate milestones, reinforcing my commitment to continuous growth and exploration.

History is an important part of our culture and background in Canada. It shows us the life-changing inventions we created, the ways we helped our neighbouring countries, and how our ancestors evolved our own country into the booming economy it is today. But, it also shows us all of the mistakes and horrifying injustices we made along the way. And in this project, we dive deeper into the wrongdoings of Canada.

At the beginning of this project, we learned about the injustices minorities face in Canada. From Japanese Canadians to Punjabi immigrants, to Jewish people. We studied them and their hardships living in a new country and being treated like outsiders. Through our research, we discovered the systemic discrimination and barriers that these communities endured, often resulting in profound psychological and economic impacts. It became evident that acknowledging these injustices is crucial not only for healing but also for fostering a more inclusive society. As we move forward, we aim to amplify these voices and promote understanding, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide us toward a more equitable future.

The main part of the project is focusing on a specific wrongdoing and memorializing it. We were put in groups of 3 and picked an event to commemorate. My group picked the Komagata Maru, the ill-fated ship that became a symbol of racial discrimination in Canada. In 1914, the Komagata Maru, carrying 376 Sikh immigrants seeking refuge in Canada, was denied entry due to restrictive immigration laws and ultimately forced to return to India, where many faced violent reprisals. The incident stands as a reminder of the injustices faced by immigrants and the systemic barriers present in Canadian society at the time, prompting us to engage in a memorial process that honours the victims and educates future generations about the importance of inclusivity and justice.

The memorial process had many components. We first wrote a pitch, which was composed of things we would have in and around our memorial, as well as the symbolism behind it. It took some time to come to the finished pitch, and a lot of failed designs and ideas, but I’d like to say that we created a pitch that portrayed exactly what we wanted to show in our memorial, and it made the creation process so much easier.

Building the memorial was the hardest part of the project. Finding the materials, gathering supplies, and jumping right into the creation was difficult. Using clay as your foundation is not very easy, to use and to make look the way you want. We split the tasks up, so when one group member took the creation of the boat, one on the base and me on the flowers, it made the whole thing simpler in a way. Once everything was put together, the last step was to show our creation to the world.

The other half of the class came and saw all of our memorials, asking questions, and listening intently as we explained the history of these awful events. It was good to shed light on the injustices of our past, and by spreading awareness, made them less likely to repeat themselves in this generation. As well as educating the other half, we displayed our finalized memorials in the hallway, to show the whole school our understanding, as well as remind us what we came from, and how to avoid making the same mistakes. Through collaboration and perseverance, we were ultimately able to craft a meaningful tribute that reflects the resilience of those who suffered and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in our society.

Apologies are kept alive by educating future generations, memorializing past injustices, and spreading awareness to ensure history is not forgotten or repeated. Learning about events like the Komagata Maru incident helps acknowledge past discrimination and fosters a more inclusive society. Memorials serve as lasting reminders of these wrongs, allowing people to reflect on their impact. By sharing stories, engaging in discussions, and actively recognizing historical injustices, we ensure that the lessons of the past guide us toward a more just and equitable future.

What do you want to be when you grow up? That question, one tiny, insignificant question is 95% guaranteed to give any grade 10 student immense stress. I had a hard time deciding what I was going to wear this morning, and you expect me to pick the career I will be stuck with my entire life? When my teachers asked my whole class one October morning, telling us that we were going to do a project around the idea of our future careers, I almost had a heart attack.

This specific project is unlike any other I’ve done in my 11 years of school, and it has helped solidify my confidence in pursuing journalism. Back in October, though, I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me this would be a fun project—let alone my favourite of the term. Yet, as I progressed through each step, I found myself more engaged and invested in the process.

The first step was creating a résumé, but not just any résumé—one that visually represented me and my brand. Unlike the standard black-and-white résumés I had made before, this one required thoughtful design elements, colours, and formatting that made it stand out. I went through multiple rounds of revisions, tweaking everything from the layout to the wording to ensure it was polished and professional. When I was finished, it was something that became a representation of myself on a professional front and something I could see myself using in the future. Though it was a challenge, I was incredibly proud of the final product.

At the same time, I was also designing a business card, which turned out to be ten times more difficult. Every time I submitted a version, my teachers sent it back with feedback, telling me it didn’t truly capture who I was. After eight different attempts—each one refining my brand further—I finally created a design that felt like me. It had elements of writing, and newspapers, and brought my journalism aspirations together to create a card completely different from anything I’ve seen before. Once it was approved, I incorporated some of those same elements into my résumé to ensure consistency and cohesion. With those pieces complete, I moved on to the next big task: my booth design.

The booth design required us to include interactive elements and personal objects that reflected our interests and hobbies. I carefully planned mine out, sketching a layout that included my favourite books as conversation starters, a poster board made of news articles to highlight my passion for journalism, and candy canes as a snack component to make my table more inviting. Once my plan was approved, I was ready for the final and most exciting step: the Winter Exhibition.

The exhibition this year was like no other I’ve experienced. I had people come up to me, interested in my booth and career aspirations, and listened as I shared the things I was passionate about. At the last moment, I grabbed some of my records and cd’s from home, to bring more of my personality into the booth, and they were a big hit. I met so many new people who helped guide me through parts of journalism I didn’t even know existed, solidifying my passion even more. I got to talk about one of my favourite things to new people and learn new things that can help benefit me and my future, and I was very grateful for this opportunity. 

Throughout this project, I discovered many ways to present my passions, strengths, and learning to the world. My résumé was the first step—not just a list of experiences, but a visually engaging reflection of who I am. After multiple revisions, I created something I was truly proud of. Designing my business card was even more challenging, as my teachers pushed me to refine it until it truly represented me. After eight attempts, I finally got it right and even incorporated its design elements into my résumé to create a cohesive personal brand. My booth design allowed me to showcase my interests in a creative, interactive way, featuring my favourite books as conversation starters, a journalism-themed poster board, and candy canes to make my space inviting. Seeing everything come together made me realize that presenting myself to the world is more than just words on a page—it’s about creativity, refinement, and finding the best way to showcase who I am.

World War II marked a significant turning point in human history, ushering in both profound advancements and devastating consequences. And in our last project, we discussed how those effects changed the evolution of Canadian society.

At the beginning of the project, when it was first introduced, we were told the entire plan. Our essays based on the driving question (What role did the conflict of WWII play in shaping Canadian identity?), would be turned into a Zine, that would be shared with both the Lynn Valley Legion & the Juno Beach Centre in France. At first thought, it seemed like a normal WW2 project, but the more we worked on it, the more it became something much more, and it started with our service project.

In the Second World War, Canadians were recognized for their service in Europe, fighting against the Nazis. In typical fashion, we as Canadians wanted to immerse ourselves in the project, so all of our grade 10’s did a service project. We had to provide a service to someone or something in need, and a sponsor would donate $10 to us to put towards buying the Legion a Canadian Flag from the Juno Beach Centre. A few classmates and I decided to clean up the beach. The act is not only a reflection on Canadian identity and how we prioritize environmental care, we also show a sense of unity through our actions.

Next, we worked on some Smart Brevity notes. Smart Brevity is a type of note-taking that helps readers along with yourself understand the important aspects and points of a topic with very little effort. We researched 5 topics, each corresponding with an event or evolution that had occurred in Canada. Then, when we recorded information on all 5, we were told to choose one topic that was historically relevant to Canada and create a Smart Brevity document. The topic that caught my eye was human rights in Canada, a topic I’ve always found interesting, and decided to write about that. The completion of my Smart Brevity note is what led us right into the biggest part of the project; the essay. 

Evolution of Human Rights Smart Brevity

The essay, in every assignment, proves to be the most difficult. Continuing with my topic on the evolution of human rights, I transformed my Smart Brevity into research topics and tidbits of information to include. The research and writing proved to be difficult, as I had to pair down an abundance of history into 5 paragraphs, but in the end, I finished with a essay I was proud of. The hardest part of the whole process was putting everything into MLA format, which was just introduced to us at the start of the essay-writing phase. I’ve never done something like it before, so it was very frustrating at first. But, eventually I got the idea of it, and by the end, was able to add another skill to my learner toolbox.

The last step in this WWII project was arguably my favourite; turing our essays into a Zine. Something about knowing that people overseas were going to read your work, adds another layer of stress to the whole thing. Luckily, my essay proved to be somewhat easy to transfer into the template Mrs. McWilliams gave us. I’d never heard of zines before this project, but the more I worked on it, the more I found them to be more enjoyable. I added pictures to correspond with the paragraphs, my essay, and the sources, and just like that, my essay was transformed into something of a story. This whole proses taught me a lot, and I’m hoping the people at the Lynn Valley Leigon & the Juno Beach Centre like our class Zine as much as I do!

World War II played a pivotal role in shaping Canadian identity, influencing various aspects of society that continue to resonate today. The conflict not only enabled Canada to emerge as a significant player on the international stage but also fostered a sense of national unity and pride among Canadians. As they fought against the Nazi regime in Europe, Canadians were recognized for their bravery and sacrifice, which contributed to a collective identity centred on values such as peace, freedom, and democracy. Through acts of service, like cleaning up beaches or honouring veterans, we alongside others demonstrated commitment to our communities and environment—further reinforcing the Canadian culture. Additionally, the war catalyzed critical discussions around human rights and social justice, laying the groundwork for further advancements in equality and civil liberties in Canada. Ultimately, the experiences of World War II not only forged a stronger national identity but also instilled a deep commitment to humanitarian principles, shaping the cultural fabric of Canada for generations to come.