MS 7

March 24, 2025

Academic, Elders, Elementary School, Middle School, MS 7, MS 8, MS 9

Design | Die-Cut Buttons | Lino-Block Prints

During our second week of March Break, 13 Halifax Independent students from Grades 5-9 explored graphic design.

The guest instructor was our own Eyeiessa Darville. This opportunity allowed her to share her strong background in photography and graphic arts of all sorts with students.

The opening project was font development. That led to hand-drawn designs and print-making, using traditional techniques and design extensions using digital technology.

Three afternoons of focussed time allowed these students to experiment and test, and to see their projects evolve. They applied their final designs to the following projects

a monogram in a custom, digitized font,
a hand-drawn design preserved on a hand-pressed, die-cut and laminated button,
a hand-carved lino-block printing tool
multi-tone print made from their lino-block, and
a digitized version of their print.

This took patience! They had many opportunities to see one another work through the design process, adjusting expectations/designs based on their experiences.

Thank you to this good-natured group of students who even hosted a pop-up exhibition for the elementary day-camp.

Eyeiessa was glad to share her skill and knowledge. Parents were glad to access short course intensive programming. We were thrilled to offer this age group another great reason to set aside their devices and connect in a friendly, creative atmosphere.

We hope that this group felt proud of their commitment to the creative process and their finished work.

February 28, 2025

Athletics, Community, Elders, Middle School, MS 7, MS 8, MS 9 Activity, Athletic, Collaborative, Community, Middle School, Multi-Age, Sports

Season Recap

In the 2024-25 basketball season, H.I.S. STORM fielded teams in both the Female/Female-Identifying (F/FI) and Male/Male Identifying (M/MI) divisions.

Whether in regular, playoff, or tournament games, our teams worked hard and represented the school well.

In the Maritime Independent League (MIL) tournament, both teams placed second.

In the HRCE league, the F/FI team went 6-0 in regular season play. They advanced all the way to the playoff semi-finals before experiencing their first loss!

We are grateful to coaches Joseph, Jill, Whitney, and Geoff, and to guest instructor and local basketball coach Milo Gray. Coaches and players alike are thankful for the support of their families and are already eagerly anticipating the 2025-26 season.

Go STORM!

February 12, 2025

Academic, Community, Middle School, MS 7, MS 8, MS 9 Academic, Collaborative, Community, Middle School, Multi-Age, Science Fair

WHERE CURIOSITY MEETS SCIENTIFIC METHOD

This core STEM experience engages all Middle School students (Grades 7-9) and unfolds over months.

MS Science teacher Heather Donovan ably coordinates volunteer mentors from the local science community. In addition, she plans and oversees our adjudicated exhibition, with 50+ volunteer judges.

Our mentors offer support in the early stages, as students identify project ideas and discuss strategies to reliably produce their project/data set. These early conversations help students draft a manageable plan and procedure.

Students conducting experiments learn and apply the scientific method, and all students must think critically about their own process/research and conclusions.

When projects are complete, each student/team produces a written report and visual display. These elements represent their work and supplement the presentations that they prepare.

The climax is an open exhibition, during which judges visit students and their displays. Judges assess their work and presentations against a standard rubric. Students present, repeatedly over two days. After months of preparation, students are deeply familiar with their projects. The room buzzes with anticipation.

During the exhibition, students speak about their work with anyone who stops by their display. They deliver prepared content, but also respond to spontaneous questions. Each student has multiple opportunities to explain their experiment/innovation/study to their assigned judges – and to visitors of all ages from our school community and beyond. In this way, they gain valuable experience in reframing content quickly and competently.

The judges provide constructive, individual, written feedback. Not only that, but their assessments help determine which projects will advance to regionals. Our local, regional event is Halifax Sci-Tech Expo (HSTE). In turn, it determines who advances to the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF).

While we are thrilled when our students advance to the regional/national level, we celebrate all of our student scientists. We are proud to see them share their work with a diverse audience from younger students to seasoned scientists and researchers.

In tackling challenges and navigating a substantial assessment of their work, our MS students develop valuable skills, resilience, and confidence.

Congratulations, MS students, for continuing the legacy of HIS Science Fairs!

December 19, 2024

Academic, Community, Middle School, MS 7, Whole School Activity, Collaborative, Community, Middle School, Multi-Age, Theatre

MS7's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Like all H.I.S. student theatre, the MS7 Shakespeare production is a core curriculum experience. With the guidance of former headteacher and Shakespeare director Cate Allen, MS English teacher Joey supported our students in the journey from first reading to the stage. MS7 performed Much Ado at Alderney Landing Theatre on Thursday, December 19.

Student Theatre = Healthy Risk-Taking

This student theatre production includes all MS7 students, not only those with a passion for theatre. While students hoping for a specific role can audition, each MS7 student is expected to take on at least one role. In addition to in-class prep and rehearsal, the cast spends four days rehearsing in theatre. The professional sound and lighting specialists at Alderney Landing Theatre dependably help our students shine. We believe that this investment in student theatre is appropriate. It complements the effort and engagement that we expect from our students.

How Sayest Thou?

Our Shakespeare productions are immersive, as students tackle the unfamiliar vocabulary and phrasing of the script, a period dance, and often, a study of Elizabethan society. During the lead-up to this year’s performance, MS7 students prepared and performed a puppet show designed to introduce the Olds (Grades 3 and 4 students) to Much Ado’s storyline. In addition, Students worked on sets and created masquerade masks, with Art teacher Sara.

Behind the Scenes Support

Throughout preparations, the H.I.S. community – past and present – made a difference! This student theatre production benefitted from

savvy costume acquisitions and the work of volunteer seamstresses who have slowly built our fabulous collection of Elizabethan era-inspired costumes,
set pieces built and adapted over years by H.I.S. students and art teachers,
musical accompaniment from music teacher Adam Johnson and The MerryWeather Band, and
in-theatre photography by parent, Danielle Boudreau

Thank you to teacher Tina for her support throughout the season of rehearsals and preparations. We are grateful for everyone who joined us at the theatre or online, and especially for the cast members of Much Ado 2021 (Class of ‘24), who joined us. It was great to have them cheer on this year’s cast!

If you missed out, catch the recorded version here Much Ado 2024.

Alumni: Reminisce with us!

Reach out and share memories of your Shakespeare student theatre experience. Please include the year and your role, if you recall it. Alumni Contact Form

Photography by: Danielle Boudreau / Halifax Independent School Parent

November 25, 2024

Athletics, Community, Middle School, MS 7, MS 8, MS 9 Activity, Athletics, Middle School, Multi-Age, Sports

CONGRATULATIONS

This year, our Female/Female Identifying (F/FI) volleyball team welcomed five new players for a roster of 12. Coached by Leigh-Ann and assisted by Sara, the young team showed amazing dedication to learning and refining skills. They had some fantastic games, regularly going point-for-point with higher-ranking teams. This group consistently balanced “finding the fire” with maintaining composure during high-pressure matches. They supported one another on the court so consistently that spectators noticed and commended them for it. While they ultimately lost to the team ranked #1 entering playoffs, we’re so proud! Their performance this season reflected team sport at its best.

Congratulations to all of these athletes

To our current Grade 9 players – you will be missed!

September 20, 2024

Athletics, Elders, Elementary School, Middle School, Middles, MS 7, MS 8, MS 9, Olds, Youngs Activity, Athletics, Elementary School, Field Day, Middle School, Multi-Age

STUDENT LEADER | MULTI-AGE FUN

Our MS7-9 students recently took the lead in organizing two successful and fun-filled field days for the elementary students.

From planning age-appropriate activities to guiding younger students through each event, our MS student leaders modelled preparedness, leadership, and kindness.

Together, they delivered two afternoons of excitement, teamwork, and smiles all around. It was a wonderful opportunity for the older students to demonstrate responsibility, and they truly rose to the occasion.

Thank you, Middle Schoolers!