October 2010 - Howard S. Billings Regional High School

October 2010 

Is purchasing the past in our future? 

Kelsey Powell 

Morgan Lefebvre 

A peaceful island, located in the northern 

part of Chateauguay and bordered by Lac 

Saint-Louis, Ile Saint-Bernard is not usually 

a very hot topic. However, it has recently 

caused quite a stir within the community. 

Why? The Congregation of The Sisters 

of Charity of Montreal (also known as the 

Grey Nuns) has decided to put a section 

of the island up for sale, as they will not 

be able to care for it indefinitely. Though 

the Sisters have stated that they are not 

in a hurry to sell the land and that it will 

not be granted to the first bidder, many 

Chateauguay residents dread the thought 

of this land being lost in order to build yet 

more condos. 

The fears of these concerned citizens are 

well-founded. The section of the island that 

is up for sale is not just an empty expanse 

of unused earth. In fact, the area, known 

as the Tertre, is the part of the island with 

history dating back hundreds of years. 

Aside from having a rich heritage for both 

Native and European peoples, it was also 

part of the original Seigniory of Chasteau 

Gay, Chateauguay’s birthplace. 

“The island is important because of 

all the history here,” said Luc L’Ėcuyer, 

Director General of Heritage Saint- 

Bernard, a non-profit organization with the 

goal of protecting the plants and animals 

of Ile Saint-Bernard and other areas. “We 

could make a museum out of this place.” 

As important as the story of the island 

is, the space is attractive even to people 

for whom history is not of interest. It is 

a quiet place, far away from the noise of 

Boulevard d’Anjou. On it sits a stone mill, 

over three hundred years old, which has a 

rich history of its own to complement that 

of the island. Not far away from the mill 

stands a wrought-iron cross—one of many 

that have stood there since the first cross 

was erected in 1832 to ward off a cholera 

epidemic. Near the cross is the Sisters’ 

cemetery, created in 1896, and an apple 

orchard, where deer feast on fallen fruit 

and families can spend the day picking 

delicious apples for a small fee. The area 

also offers a clear view of Lac Saint-Louis 

and its wildlife, including egrets and 

ducks. 

L’Ėcuyer considers this a great asset. 

“Right now, only the very rich can get land 

by the water like this,” he said, gesturing to 

the expanse of Lac Saint-Louis, where an 

egret perched on a nearby rock. “It should 

be open to everyone.” 

If the history and beauty of Ile Saint- 

Bernard were not enough to make losing 

it unthinkable, there is also an important 

environmental factor to consider. Boasting 

The Grey Nuns’ cemetary dates back to 1896. A Way of the Cross was inaugurated around the 

graveyard in 1942 and has recently been restored. (photos: Morgan Lefebvre) 

Iron Horse Wear House 

This stone tower on Ile St. Bernard was built along with a windmill in 1686 and is one of the 

oldest mills still standing in North America. (photos: Kelsey Powell) 

eleven species of endangered or vulnerable 

plants and two hundred and twenty species 

of birds, along with various mammals and 

reptiles, the Refuge Faunique Marguerited’Youville 

is located on the island. While 

the Refuge is not part of the land being sold, 

it could be severely impacted depending on 

what the new owner(s) of the area plan to 

develop there. An increase in pollution and 

human activity could disrupt the flora and 

fauna of the sanctuary, harming the plants 

and causing the animals to relocate. 

Furthermore, Lac Saint-Louis is a 

body of water that is rich in fish—fish 

that would suffer if runoff from new 

developments were to be introduced into 

their ecosystem. 

At the moment, the government of 

Chateauguay is considering purchasing 

the land from the Sisters, but there are 

see page 7 

Old Malone Highway, Kahnawake 

(450) 638-0873 

Andrew Giasson, owner, HSB Alumni, and proud sponsor of Vision Newspaper 

www.ironhorsewearhouse.com

community update 

2 

Vision Newspaper October 2010 

Mayor Nathalie Simon welcomed nearly 130 

citizens to the Summit, telling them, “I am not 

here to impose my vision on you. I am here to 

hear about yours.” (photo: Morgan Lefebvre) 

Ordinary men and women were given 

a chance to be heard by members of 

the government when they attended the 

Chateauguay 2020 Summit on Saturday, 

September 18. Everyone was welcome, 

and though the proceedings were mainly in 

French, English members of the community 

were encouraged to participate and offer 

their opinions as well. The summit, held at 

Billings High School, lasted from nine in 

the morning to about four in the afternoon, 

and was an interesting event. 

The summit began with an opening 

address that was held in the Mosher 

auditorium. Attendees were first shown a 

short video that consisted of footage taken 

from areas throughout Chateauguay. In it, 

many objects of the day’s discussions could 

be seen, such as the entrances to the city, 

expansive unused commercial spaces, and 

parks. Afterwards, Mayor Simon stepped 

up to the podium to speak to the audience 

AMR Pets of the Month 

Emma 

Emma is a 4 month old Female 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She was 

found tied to a tree on September 

10 with an embedded collar—the 

collar that she had since she was 

a tiny pup had cut into her skin 

as she grew. Sadly, it cut into her 

skin about an inch. She needed to 

have around 50 stitches to help 

heal her. Emma is a very friendly 

puppy. She can live with other 

dogs, as well as children. It would 

be a blessing for Emma to find a 

loving home. 

Foresight is 2020 

Kelsey Powell 

Kia 

Kia is a sociable and affectionate 

black kitty. She is a year old and is 

currently looking for a new home. She 

has been with AMR since May and has 

yet to be adopted, even though she is 

extremely cute. She is very relaxed 

and doesn’t need too much attention 

but would be thrilled to find a loving 

home. 

For more information on adopting these or other pets, contact Services Animaliers A.M.R., 47 

St-Pierre, St-Constant; telephone: 450-638-9698; website: www.refugeamr.com. (compiled by 

Vision reporters Julie Pulice & Jessica Boudreau) 

about the goals of the summit, which 

was the brainchild of her administration. 

The day, she emphasized, was all about 

dreaming—thinking of the Chateauguay we 

have always wanted. She recalled how in 

the past, Chateauguay’s citizens have been 

presented with projects created by outside 

“experts”, and stated that she disagrees 

with this mode of operation. To really 

make progress, she said, the administration 

must talk to the people instead of making 

decisions for them. She emphasized this 

new idea when she stated, “I am not here 

to impose my vision on you. I am here to 

hear about yours.” 

Simon’s presentation was an excellent 

example of this; it was created with input 

from Chateauguay’s residents. Even 

the summit’s logo spoke of her goals. 

It represented the three main ideas that 

seem to be at the core of her dreams for 

her time as mayor: blue and green lines 

to symbolize nature and our environment, 

and a third line with a small circle atop it 

to symbolize a citizen standing up to speak 

his or her mind. 

After the opening ceremony, the 

summit’s participants broke off into small 

workshops, where they were able to give 

their opinions and suggestions and have 

them noted for later review by the city. 

The main subjects of these workshops 

were varied, including family, youth, 

Project Manager & Editor 

Mary Leblanc 

Layout Editor 

Mary Leblanc 

Journalism Teacher 

Melissa Glover 

Copy Editors 

Val Allen 

Patricia Dann 

Greg Giroux 

Melissa Glover 

Ernie Herskovits 

Judy Markhauser 

Paula Monette-Bennett 

Jill Smeall 

Advertising 

Christine Wormald 

Caren Macbeth 

competent administration, and sustainable 

development. The sustainable development 

workshop was quite popular, and over 

eighty people signed up to take part in it, 

discussing both urban development and the 

preservation of Chateauguay’s natural and 

historical sites. The youth workshop was 

reserved for Chateauguay residents under 

twenty-five years old—an excellent idea 

on the mayor’s part, considering that the 0- 

24 age group accounts for more than a third 

of the city’s population. Unfortunately, it 

was not very well attended by the younger 

generation. 

These participants spent hours 

discussing and debating new ideas, 

including innovative ways to cope with 

heat waves such as the one experienced 

this summer. Planting more trees on or 

near school yards was suggested, as well 

as improving walking and biking paths in 

order to reduce the number of cars on the 

road. Popular issues, such as the purchase 

of property on Île Saint-Bernard, were also 

brought up and solutions were discussed. 

Overall, the summit was a new and 

impressive way of bringing the community 

and its administration together. Simon 

seemed pleased with the outcome of the 

event, and said that she hopes to continue 

communicating with Chateauguay’s 

residents. 

A follow-up to the summit will be held 

November 7 at the Pavillion de l’Île. At this 

time, the City will present possible projects 

based on the ideas heard at the first event. 

Leaders of the youth workshop at Summit 2020, Philippe Marcoux and Catherine Monette, 

flank Vision photographer Morgan Lefebvre after interesting discussions about Chateauguay’s 

younger generation. (photo: Kelsey Powell) 

Vision 

C h â t e a u g u a y 

c/o Billings High School 

210 McLeod, 

Châteauguay, QC J6J 2H4 

450-691-3230 ext. 355 

vision@nfsb.qc.ca


3 


Community reacts to construction on McLeod 

Two Billings students navigate their way through construction machinery and dirt on McLeod 

Street as it undergoes repairs and improvements. Work is supposed to be done by November. 

(photo: Morgan Lefebvre) 

Géza Burai 

Students and staff at Howard S. Billings 

were given a surprise as they came back 

to school in September. Construction had 

started on McLeod Street, with the goal of 

building a new sidewalk and bicycle path 

as well as completely repaving the road in 

front of the school. 

The construction, which started in August, 

is scheduled to be finished in November. 

The community in the surrounding area has 

differentiating opinions on the hindrance. 

“I think it’ll be more convenient,” 

said Tracey Moeser, a parent who lives 

on McLeod. “The workers are really 

cooperative,” she stated, “They even got 

out a plow to move the dirt from in front of 

our house.” Moeser also described how the 

kind-hearted construction crew carried her 

wheelchair-bound son, Hunter, to his bus 

stop for several days while construction 

was taking place in 

front of their house. 

While Tracey’s 

outlook is rather 

positive, some people 

have a different 

view. The workers 

were criticized by 

students and teachers 

alike when a water 

main broke during 

digging, sending 

water flowing down 

the street in the 

early morning hours. 

“I didn’t feel like 

walking through a 

few inches of mud 

with open-toed 

shoes,” one female 

student said. “I had 

to cross over to 

another street and 

come around”. 

While mostly an inconvenience to 

students, the construction by the school 

should provide a safer, more efficient way 

to commute. The only thing left to do is 

wait. 

While road construction on McLeod Street is an inconvenience for 

many since school started, the news isn’t all bad. Tracey Moeser, right, 

had help from some kind-hearted construction workers in getting her 

wheelchair-bound son, Hunter, to the bus stop for several days when 

ongoing work took place in front of her house. (photo: Nick Hamilton) 

Billings community helps each other, one “thank-you” at a time 

Pay it forward 

Géza Burai 

It’s no secret that a positive, helpful 

school environment is key to academic 

success. This is something that Donna 

Rossi, a Howard S. Billings security guard, 

is well aware of. She is the instigator 

of the “Pay It Forward” challenge, an 

incentive to get Billings students and staff 

members more involved with others and 

to spread kindness throughout the school. 

It is designed to create a chain of good 

deeds that will eventually make the school 

a better place. 

The rules of the game are simple: a 

designated staff member helps a student 

to start off the game. Once that student 

says “Thank you”, he or she will have to 

pay it forward 

and repay the 

good deed to 

someone else, 

and so on. 

They never 

know when 

or where 

they will be 

hit with the 

words, “Pay 

it forward”, so 

students and 

staff should 

keep on their 

toes. 

Ms. Rossi 

was enthusiastic in talking to Vision about 

her idea and its inspiration. The idea for 

the game was based on the movie of the 

same name, in which a child comes up with 

an idea to change the world for the better 

using this type of pyramid scheme. “We’re 

looking at having at least 40 contributors 

a month, if not more,” she explained. 

“I haven’t done a count yet, but there’s 

definitely been progress”. 

Ms. Rossi, having spent a good part of 

her life at the school, has been working 

with students in trying to make Billings a 

better school for years. “I just really want to 

promote school spirit, and to show people 

that kindness can make a huge difference,” 

she said. 

The contest, which started September 6, 

is scheduled to run most of the year, ending 

on June 1. To give generous and helpful 

“Pay it Forward” has nothing to do with 

money, according to Donna Rossi, who started 

the challenge at Billings. (photos: Géza Burai 

and Jessica Boudreau) 

students an incentive to keep working at the 

project, Ms. Rossi is working on including 

prizes and rewards for this good behavior. 

Most will agree that it’s good to see 

students in our community working hard to 

support others. Nobody knows where the 

game will lead, but we can be positive that 

the outcome will only do others good.

video game reviews 

4 


ability to dodge and the Focus option adds 

more strategy than just button mashing for 

a more engaging battling experience. 

“rookie”, “pro”, or “superstar”. The game The graphics are as good as the PS2 

is rated 10+ due to violence. 

games, even with such a small screen. 

The creators of the game, EA Sports, The only complaint is the long loading 

thought that adding new features to this time when entering new areas and before 

release would be to their advantage. cut-scenes, and the occasional lagging, 

Some of the newer features in this game but with a story line this remarkable and 

include the option of being an agent in suspenseful, it is worth the extra second’s 

the NHL business, changes of passes, wait. The characters’ voice acting is 

a new physics engine, and new stick extremely well done, and portrays the 

features. This game also includes a HUT character’s emotions entirely. There’s also 

(Hockey Ultimate Team) mode which a multiplayer mode that can connect up to 

allows players to collect cards and make 6 players at a time in the Mirage Arena, 

their team better based on the cards they a world where you can also play alone 

match by outscoring your opponents. The collect. 

if you’d like just to level up, and several 

game offers you the chance to create your This fast-paced game can be enjoyed mini-games. So whether you’re on the go 

own team online, create your own players, by everyone. After playing this game or you want to enjoy a full story mode, 

and join tournaments. The game offers myself, I agree with the critics and give it there’s something for everyone. 

different levels of difficulty for each player: two thumbs up! 

This wonderful new addition to the 

Kingdom Hearts series will keep you in 

suspense as you try to unlock the secrets 

of each character’s in-depth and alluring 

storyline. 

NHL 2011 

Louise Giannetti 

NHL is a hockey video game that is 

released yearly. The most recent version 

is NHL 2011. This game was released 

in North America on September 7, 

2010. It was released on all three major 

platforms: Playstation3, Xbox 360 and 

the Nintendo Wii. 

The cover of the game case features 

a full-body image of Chicago Black 

Hawks superstar Jonathan Toews. 

This game may be single player or 

multiplayer. When playing multiplayer 

you can have up to twelve players. The 

overall goal of the game is to win the 

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep 

Isabelle Chartrand 

The newest addition to the Kingdom 

Hearts series developed and produced by 

Square Enix was finally released in English 

in North America on September 7. Tetsuya 

Nomura’s highly anticipated prequel to 

the popular series is only available for the 

PSP. It’s an action role-playing game set 

10 years before the first Kingdom Hearts, 

providing important details that bring you 

closer to understanding the complex story 

line that is Kingdom Hearts. 

All three main characters, Terra, Ventus, 

and Aqua, are playable characters who 

each have their specialties; strength, speed 

and magic. Each character visits different 

worlds never before seen in earlier games, 

and have their own story lines that relate to 

one another. 

There’s a very different battle system 

compared to the previous games as well, 

and enemies have new designs and are 

called Unversed while in every other game 

they were Heartless or Nobodies. Special 

finishing combos are unleashed after a 

certain amount of simultaneous attacks as 

the Commands bar rises, and depending on 

what attacks you used, different combos 

will appear. Attacks of your choice are 

equipped to the character’s Command 

Deck and level up as you battle with them. 

By melding two of these attacks, you 

can create a completely new attack; and 

adding certain items while you meld can 

add abilities to those attacks, like raised 

defence or higher HP. 

There is now a Focus bar where the Magic 

bar usually was in the preceding games. By 

using Focus, the ShotLock mode opens, 

and allows you to attack various enemies 

simultaneously. Another new addition 

was the D-Link (Dimension-Link), which 

allows you to use your friend’s abilities for 

a specified amount of time, similar to the 

summoning option in former games, but 

with more abilities available. Another way 

to level up your commands is playing on 

the Command Board, which is essentially 

like playing a board game where you role 

the dice and travel across the board to 

claim spaces while collecting points. The 

Courses start October 18, 2010


Teen suicide: recognizing desperation in yourself and others 

5 


Jessica Bonarrigo 

Most people think that suicidal people 

actually want to die, but that assumption is 

wrong. Everyone has different ways, both 

good and bad, of dealing with the pain 

they go though. Sometimes when a person 

is faced with too much pain, they then 

believe that the only way out is death. 

According to a survey in BC of 15,000 

students, 34% knew of someone who had 

attempted or committed suicide; 16% had 

seriously considered suicide; 14% made a 

suicide plan; 7% had made an attempt and 

2% had required medical attention due to 

an attempt. 

“In Canada, suicide is the second highest 

cause of death for youth aged 10-24. Each 

year, on average, 294 youths die from 

suicide. Aboriginals, gay and lesbian teens 

may be at particularly high risk, depending 

on the community they live in and their 

own self esteem,” states CMAH. Research 

also indicates that suicidal tendencies may 

be genetic. 

It is often said that suicide is sudden and 

unpredictable. But suicide is a process. 

Eight out of ten people who die by suicide 

gave some indications beforehand. 

The warning signs of a suicidal person 

are: changes in behavior (whether positive 

or negative), lack of eating, signs of 

depression (sadness, hopelessness etc.), 

giving away things that matter most to 

them, loss of interest in anything, talking 

about suicide or death, rebellion, poor 

grades, interest in drugs or alcohol. 

photo: Julie Pulice 

Boys die more often by suicide because 

they tend to use more violent methods than 

girls, although girls think about and attempt 

suicide twice as often as boys. 

According to Statistics Canada, in 2006 

there were eight times more suicide deaths 

in Quebec (1,148) than the total number 

of deaths from war, terrorism and homicide 

combined (143); that is the highest rate in 

Canada, except for Nunavut. 

Some people think that talking about 

suicide with someone who is considering it 

will only encourage 

the destructive 

behavior. But talking 

about it could 

actually prevent an 

attempted suicide 

from happening. 

By talking calmly, 

without fear or 

judgment, you can 

show a desperate teen 

that someone cares 

and wants to help. 

T h o s e 

contemplating suicide 

should remember that 

as difficult as current 

circumstances are, 

no situation remains 

the same forever, 

and improvements 

can be found with 

help. Feelings and 

emotions change 

as well. “Suicidal 

thoughts may return 

but they are not permanent and in some 

people they may never return” according 

to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

If you think you know someone who is 

suicidal, take all threats and anything they 

might say very seriously! It is important 

to learn the warning signs, be direct and 

ask if the person is in fact thinking about 

killing themselves, try not to judge, and do 

not keep it a secret, even if they ask you 

to. Find people who can help, don’t try 

clichés or try to debate with the person; 

ask if there’s anything you can do. Call a 

hotline and ask for help. Don’t leave them 

alone and remove anything they can use to 

try to harm themselves. Common suicide 

methods include suffocation, poisoning, 

drugs and medication, guns, jumping from 

heights, drowning, and cutting. Bring them 

to an emergency room in an accute crisis. 

If you are contemplating thoughts of 

suicide, reach out for help as soon as 

possible! Remember there are people who 

care about you, even some who do not 

know you. Many people have been in your 

shoes and they do not want others to suffer, 

whether they are friends or strangers. 

Seek advice before negative emotions get 

the better of you. There is a world full of 

positive opportunities out there, even if it 

doesn’t seem like it right now. 

At school, go to the HSB Guidance office 

for assistance 

Help lines you can call: 

Jeunesse J’écoute (English & French) 

1-800-668-6868 

Tel-jeunes (English & French) 

514-288-2266 

Suicide Action Montréal 

514-723-4000 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline 

1-800-273-8255 

Some helpful websites: 

www.kidshealth.org 

www.suicideprevention.ca 

www.cmha.ca 

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6 


Food, friends and fun 

Kelsey Powell 

Despite a rather cool week preceding it, September 18 dawned warm and sunny, making it a perfect day 

for the Billings Barbeque. Starting at one in the afternoon and lasting until four, parents, teachers, Billings 

students, their siblings, and other members of the community made their way to the school’s back field to 

enjoy a free show, as well as lots of free food and drinks. 

Onstage, many students entertained the crowd with their talents, which included singing, dancing and 

playing the guitar. Among these were repeat performers such as Sherisse Bailey, who wowed the audience 

in last year’s Billings Idol competition, and Jeffrey Poirier, whose singing proved to be an excellent final 

act in Billings’ Variety Show. 

Not all of the entertainment took place onstage, however. One of the most popular attractions of the 

afternoon was a pie-eating contest with an interesting twist: participants were not allowed to use their hands. 

Students from all grade levels went head-to-head against one another, receiving thunderous cheers from the 

crowd for their efforts. Shannon Jillette, Alie Cavalieri, Matthew McCormick and Aaron Smith made up the 

first brave group of competitors with McCormick emerging as the victor. 

Teachers also stepped up to the challenge. Ms. Boudreault, who claimed to be 

looking for the “full barbeque experience”, competed in the second round and showed 

no qualms about 

sporting a whipped 

cream face mask for 

a few minutes in the 

name of fun. Other 

offstage activities 

included face 

painting, volleyball, 

and a bake sale 

that benefitted the 

school’s SWAT 

(Students Working 

A r t i s t i c a l l y 

Together) program. 

The barbeque, 

while always a fun 

way to spend the 

day, is about more 

than just entertainment and free food. For some, it is a tradition. “I’m a secondgeneration 

Billings student, and I’ve come to the barbeque every year, even before 

I went to school here,” said Julie Pulice, who is currently in tenth grade at Billings. 

“It’s like a big back-to-school party—eating, hanging out with friends, and just 

having fun. It makes the start of my school year feel complete.” 

Deborah Shewchuk, a seventh-grader who has attended the barbeque for five 

years, agrees with Pulice. “[The barbeque] means the start of a new school year! 

School just wouldn’t be the same without it.” 

Even students who have not attended Billings’ yearly party since elementary 

school appreciated this year’s event: “This is my first year at the barbeque and I 

love it!” said Olivia Saray, an eleventh-grader. “I think it’s such a great way to get 

to know our school and the people here.” 

In all, this year’s barbeque was a big hit with students, parents and teachers 

alike. The food was excellent: “The hamburgers were amazing!” exclaimed parent Nicole Dumouchel. “I 

want to know where they got them.” And the entertainment had the crowd cheering for a full three hours. 

It was yet another successful installment of a well-loved 

tradition that will hopefully continue for years to come. 

There’s great anticipation for the pie eating contest, above, and Ms. 

Boudreault gets the ‘full barbeque experience, below. 

Mr. Maintenance, himself, Larry Falcon 

Principal Mr. Helm, Middle School Principal Ms. 

Fournier-Haynes, and High School Principal Mr. 

Harvey 

photo left: Morgan Lefebvre 

all other photos: Ronald Gutierrez


7 


Ile St. Bernard: our heritage... 

yesterday... 

“On the western side of 

the island is a hillock, a 

mound, with flowing slopes 

in an oval form so perfect, 

one could swear it was 

man-made.” This mound 

is called ‘La Butte’ and the 

stairs remain today (photo 

far right) 

In 1854 during a dig on 

the hillock, 18 skulls and a 

quantity of bones were found 

plus a whole skeleton in a 

rich oak coffin, possibly that 

of a war hero. The Sisters’ 

cemetery dates back to 1896, 

when Bishop Eymard blessed 

it on July 24. 

...and today 

postcards courtesy of New Frontiers School Board archives 

Luc L’Ėcuyer, Director 

General of Heritage Saint- 

Bernard explains the 

historical and cultural 

signicificance of Ile St. 

Bernard to Vision reporter 

Kelsey Powell during a visit 

September 27. 

photos: Kelsey Powell, Morgan Lefebvre, 

Audrey-Ann Leduc, Victoria Kennedy 

In 1865 the stone tower of the first 

mill was covered with a tin roof and 

surmounted by a full-size statue of 

Saint Joseph (left). In 1896, it served 

as a charnel. Now it is an oratory 

named, ‘Bethléem: House of Bread’. 

from page 1... 

concerns about whether this would be a 

sound investment or a financial drain on 

the city. 

Luckily, there are solutions to be 

considered if finances are the deciding 

factor of the island’s fate. In the past, 

filmmakers have paid to use Ile Saint- 

Bernard in their movies, while respecting 

certain conditions regarding the plants 

and animals there, as well as the island as 

a whole. Occasionally opening the area 

to such activities could be an important 

source of funds that would help ease the 

burden of the island’s upkeep. Also, the 

city could open the Tertre to the public (it 

is currently only open to patrons of the 

Manoir d’Youville) and generate income 

through the growing trend of ecotourism. 

There are so many ways to protect 

the place that could be considered the 

cradle of Chateauguay—all that would 

be required is a little creativity and the 

support of the public. 

Ile Saint-Bernard is a place of beauty, 

peace, and heritage. Losing it would not 

only threaten the wildlife that relies on it, 

but would throw away hundreds of years 

of life, death, and human endeavour. 

“If we destroy our past, we will 

never learn where we came from.” said 

L’Ėcuyer. “Without that, how will we 

know where we are going?” 

A wealth of historical information can be 

found on Ile Saint-Bernard, as well as ways 

citizens can help protect it, at: 

http://www.heritagestbernard.qc.ca 

http://www.amisdelile.com 

A grotto in honour 

of Our Lady of lourdes 

was built in 1957 

on the slope of the 

hillock, in gratifude 

that Ile St. Bernard 

was spared during 

the Saint Lawrence 

Seaway construction. 

The whole site was 

restored in 1990. 

“I can’t imagine Chateauguay 

without this part of Ile St. Bernard... 

it would be nothing without it.” 

-Catherine Hooper, Friends of Ile 

St. Bernard spokesperson 

Mother d’Youville’s goal in 

purchasing the island in 1765 was 

to provide “a source of revenue for 

her community and a legacy for her 

poor.” 

“Right now, only the very rich can 

get land by the water like this; It 

should be open to everyone.” 

-Luc L’Ėcuyer, General Director of 

Heritage St. Bernard 

When Mother d’Youville bought the seigniorial domain at Chateauguay, 

90 acres were cleared for farming and orchards. By 1922, 200 acres were 

cultivated. In 1935 the orchard had 250 apple trees. At one time, the land 

produced hay, oats, barley, wheat, buckwheat and vegetables of all kinds. This 

experimental farm closed down around 1960 and the maple grove in 1972.


9 


Red Carpet Treatment 

Kelsey Powell 

Grade 7 students were treated like movie stars at their first dance of the year hosted by HSB 

Prefects as part of Welcome Week festivities. (photo: Karly Tomney) 

The Prefect-run Grade Seven Mixer 

dance that took place on September 4 turned 

out to be a big success. From the moment 

they stepped through the front doors, the 

new seventh-graders were treated like 

stars. In fact, one whole wall of the student 

lounge was covered with golden stars, each 

bearing a student’s name. After following a 

red carpet down the stairs, attendees were 

given the chance to pose with their friends 

and have their picture taken before stepping 

onto the dance floor. Navyn Ramcharitar, 

under the name of “DJ Nugget”, played 

a wide selection of popular music and 

encouraged the students to show off their 

skills by organizing dance competitions. It 

had the crowd cheering all night long. To 

keep the party going, other Prefects joined 

in the fun and moved around the floor, 

even participating in a few of the dance 

competitions to help break the ice. Despite 

the heat, everyone seemed eager to have a 

good time, and a variety of refreshments 

was provided to cool the students off after 

a long night of dancing. 

This event was the last of many that took 

place during the first week of school. Other 

activities included a scavenger hunt to help 

orientate students on their first day, a pep 

rally that introduced the various sports and 

arts available at the school, and the Grade 

Seven Olympics, which included games 

such as giant volleyball and sack races. 

These events, meant to help the seventhgraders 

get to know each other and form 

new friendships, were a great start to what 

will surely be a great first year for Billings’ 

newest students. 

Fact or fiction: Is Billings swimming in lies? 

Phil Nadeau 

To some Howard S Billings is a place 

of learning, a place to enrich one’s mind; 

to many it’s just a place their parents force 

them to go. But to everyone, Billings is a 

public area; a place for people to socialise. 

And when people socialise, they talk; when 

they talk, they spread gossip; and when 

they spread gossip, they start rumours. 

Some rumours, however, become so 

epic they turn into myths that go down in 

history. Does Billings have any myths? 

Well, yes, in fact it does. 

Almost everyone who’s ever gone to 

Billings has heard this one: the one about 

there being, or once being, a swimming 

pool somewhere in the school. The myth 

has extended so far as to say that someone 

once drowned in this mythical pool. 

Now, you may say to yourself, some 

smart-aleck teen probably just made it up. 

But think to yourself, why would anyone 

in the myth making business make up a 

story about a pool? Personally, if I were 

to invent a myth about Billings it’d be 

about a ghost who lives in the auditorium 

that chews on the brains of grade seven 

students; something good, not a pool which 

isn’t even that interesting as a myth. 

So that must mean the pool myth is true, 

at least in part. 

A large majority of students think that if 

there was a pool, it would be somewhere 

below the lower gym, and that the vent 

located on the white outside staircase in 

front of the school leads to it. So I went 

to investigate! But after staring at concrete 

and locked doors for an hour, I realized this 

wasn’t going to cut it; I needed a legitimate 

source. 

Who was I going to call to figure out 

this dilemma? No, not the Ghost Busters; 

they’re for the auditorium myth. For this 

myth, after asking around, I was told Mr. 

Anderson was one of the people I should talk 

to about any 

secret water 

holes. 

A f t e r 

confronting 

him in the 

gym office 

while he was 

surrounded 

by the 

other gym 

teachers, he 

looked at 

the others 

with a smirk, and then gave me a very 

guilty, unsettled look. A look you’d get 

from a kid being confronted by his parents 

after he’d just broken the coffee table with 

a baseball. Mr. Anderson then looked back 

at me and said, “No one’s supposed to 

know about that.” 

Shortly afterwards, Mr. Burns, who for 

some reason was chilling in the gym office, 

said with a grin on his face, “You mean the 

body is buried in the basement?” They then 

continued to laugh at me as I exited the 

gym in shame and confusion, thinking “Is 

this just a joke to them? Or does it really 

exist and they’re just trying to throw me 

off track?” 

Maybe I 

have gotten 

close to 

d i s c o v e r i n g 

the answer, 

but my editor 

is part of a 

secret Billings 

society and 

has led me astray in unveiling their little 

conspiracy. 

Come to think of it, even though she 

claimed to have a key to the area below 

the gym, on our trip down there, we never 

quite got into the right room. 

So, like all modern research, mine 

turned out to be inconclusive due to no one 

allowing me to see any physical proof. The 

purported “reliable witnesses” only taunted 

my adventurous mind with the crude inside 

jokes of a secretive “pool operation”. It 

seems that this myth is one of those “I heard 

it from a friend, who heard it from friend” 

sort-of-rumours that kids and mysterious 

teachers have spread throughout the years. 

In reality though, this myth has gone on 

for probably around 40 years—since the 

Vietnam era. Isn’t that mind boggling? So 

it’ll probably go on for another 40 years. 

Who knows maybe there’s an even bigger, 

creepier myth to be told about Billings. 

But that will have to wait for the next 

issue. 

Phil Nadeau tries to get to the bottom of 

the Billings pool myth...literally. But after 

encountering drains that lead to nowhere, 

doors that no one has a key to, and 

mysterious disappearing gym teachers, 

will he get any closer to the truth? (photos: 

unknown)


10 


Trudeau to present 

on awards night 

Justin Trudeau, son of former Prime 

Minister Pierre Trudeau, will be at Billings 

High School October 21 to present two 

awards to students. 

The ‘In My Backyard’ (IMBY) award, 

consisting of two $500 cash endowments 

will be given to a middle school and senior 

school student who have become involved 

and/or created positive change in the 

community. This is the first year the award 

will be presented; it is the innovation of 

HSB teacher Greg Giroux and his wife, 

Lori Morrison. 

Trudeau was ‘a perfect fit’, according 

to Mr. Giroux, due to his long standing 

involvement in youth activities and as a 

community activist. 

Rise & shine! 

Can you lend a hand with this year’s HSB 

Breakfast Program? If you are able to 

donate, volunteer or bake please 450-691- 

3230 and leave a message or email Karen 

Ross at kross@nfsb.qc.ca. 

Dear Daisy... 

Dear Daisy, 

One of my friends is constantly pressuring 

me to do things I don’t really like to do. And 

when I say no politely she acts like I committed 

murder. What should I do? 

Sincerely Stressed 

Dear Sincerely Stressed, 

First of all, NO ONE can be called a friend 

when they pressure you to do something. 

A friend is someone that respects you, that 

encourages you, and that stands by you no 

matter what. Standing up for yourself is not 

easy, but in the end it will have great rewards. 

If you feel that what your friend wants you to 

do is wrong, you are probably right and YOU 

MUST not give in. In my opinion, if this upsets 

your friend, he or she is not worth it. You sound 

sweet and I have no worries that you will make 

better friends. 

Daisy 

Dear Daisy, 

I somehow got myself into a huge mess, and 

I am at a loss as to what to do. I’m currently 

dating two guys; how this happened. I don’t 

know! But I only love one of them. He is the 

sweetest guy you could ever know. My friends 

keep telling me to break up with the guy I don’t 

really like, but the thing is, this guy is very 

sensitive. I don’t know what to do! I still would 

love to be friends with him, but I don’t want to 

hurt him. What should I do? 

Sweet Infinity. 

Dear Sweet Infinity, 

Your heart is in the right place. However, you 

and I both know that it’s too late to think that no 

one will get hurt in the process. You definitely 

can’t continue dating two guys since you may 

lose both… as boyfriends and as friends. The 

friend you don’t like is entitled to know. You 

must be very honest about your feelings and 

what happened. 

Remember, honesty is the best policy! 

Daisy 

Do you have questions 

and need some 

friendly advice? 

Maybe Daisy can 

help. Email her at 

deardaisy4u@hotmail. 

com. All letters will 

be answered and 

some will be printed 

anonymously (and 

edited) as space 

allows. 

ongoing 

Chateauguay CIVITAN Club Bingo 

will be held every Saturday evening at 

7:30 pm at the Bingo Hall on Principale 

Street. Your bingo $$ is appreciated 

and helps several deserving community 

groups. CRIB Tournaments will take 

place every 2nd Saturday of the 

month except December: October 9, 

November 13, January 8, Feb. 12, Mar. 

12, Apr. 9, May 14, & June 11. No Crib 

during the summer months. For info 

call 450-691-2484 & leave a message 

for Fred. 

Encourage new readers! Tell them 

they can do it! Learning to read opens 

up a new world to those with literacy 

problems. For FREE lessons or to 

volunteer, call the Chateauguay Valley 

Literacy Council at 450-698-0342 or 1- 

888-598-0342. 

oct - nov 

October 9, 9 am – noon 

Municipal council members will 

distribute biodegradable paper bags 

to Chateauguay residents at the 

Municipal workshop located at 20 

Maple Boulevard to encourage citizens 

to participate in dead leaf collection 

organized by the MRC de Roussillon. 

Limit of 3 bags per address, while 

supplies last. Beginning October 12, 

residents may obtain bags at City 

Hall, 5 boul. d’Youville, Mondays to 

Thursdays 9 am to noon and 1:15 to 5 

pm; and Fridays from 8:30 am to noon. 

See October 26 for collection dates. 

Thursday October 14, 6-9pm; 

Friday Oct 15, 10am to 9pm; Saturday 

Oct 16, 10am to 5pm; Sunday Oct 

17, 11am to 4pm: Boîte de Noël, 33rd 

annual sale of select handcrafted items, 

featuring over 60 artisans at Royal St. 

Lawrence Yacht Club, 1350 Lakeshore 

Road, Dorval, QC. Free parking, Tea 

Room, & door prizes. Admission $2. 

Send email to boitedenoel@gmail.com 

for more info. 

October 16, 10 am - 4 pm & October 

17, 9:30 am - 4 pm Le Cercle de 

fermieres Saint-Jean-Baptiste-Marie- 

Vianney invites the public to visit their 

25th annual ‘Salon des artisans’ in 

the basement of Sainte-Marguerited’Youville 

parish located at 8 Rainville. 

October 17, 9:30 - 1 p.m. Civitan 

Club’s Fall Brunch at 3 Paul Hallé St., 

Chateauguay, with scrambled eggs, 

sausages, bacon, toast, orange juice, 

coffee or tea. A donation would be 

appreciated: adults $6.00, children 10 

and under $3.00. For info please call 

450-691-2484 and leave a message 

for Joan or Claire. 

Saturday October 23, 9 am – 2 

pm Maplewood Presbyterian Church 

Garage Sale at 

215 McLeod Avenue in Chateauguay. 

Donations also welcome, call Carole 

450-691-4560 for office hours. 

October 23, 9 am - 4 pm, Civitan 

Club’s FALL CRAFT FAIR. For further 

info call Civitan Ron Aiken at 450-699- 

3761. 

Tuesdays, October 26, November 

2, 9 & 16 Trucks from the City of 

Chateauguay will pass by all residences 

to collect bagged dead leaves as part 

of an MRC-wide environmental activity. 

All types of bags will be accepted, 

although the use of paper bags is 

encouraged (see Oct. 9 above for City 

dispensation). Please note that bags of 

leaves will only be collected on these 

dates and should be placed near the 

roadside before 7 am on the days of 

collection. 

Saturday November 13th 9:30am 

to 2:00pm St. George’s Church will 

be holding their Christmas Bazaar at 

162 St. Francis Blvd., Chateauguay. 

We will have items at the following 

tables: White Elephant, Books, Baking, 

Treasure Chest,Toys, Candy and 

Nearly New Clothes. Our Tea Room 

will provide a sandwich/sweet plate and 

/or homemade soup. Refreshments of 

coffee, tea or juice will also be available. 

Contact Person: Richard Burke 450- 

699-5944. 

November 30, 7 pm, Civitan Club’s 

PROGRAMME NIGHT AND AWARDS. 

Learn more about Chateauguay Civitan 

and Civitan International. A video from 

the Civitan International Research 

Centre will be shown. Refreshments 

will follow and awards will be given out 

for the year 2009-2010. For info call 

450-691-2484 and leave a message 

for Fred. 

december 

December 12, 9:30 am – 1 pm, 

Civitan Club’s Christmas Brunch with 

scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, 

home fries, toast, orange juice, coffee, 

tea. A donation would be appreciated: 

adults $6.00, children 10 and under 

$3.00. For further info call 450-691- 

2484 and leave a message for Claire. 

Chateauguay 

Churches 

Welcome You! 

OLPH Catholic Church 

295 McLeod • 450-691-4430 

Saturday Mass 5:15 pm 

Sunday Mass 10:30 am 

Maplewood Presbyterian 

215 McLeod • 450-691-4560 

Sunday Worship 9:00 am 

St. Andrew’s United 

46 Dupont • 450-698-1050 

Sunday Worship & Sunday 

School 10:30 am 

Calvary Baptist Church 

215 McLeod • 450-699-6723 

Sunday School 10:00 am 

Sunday Worship 11:00 am 

St. George’s Anglican 

162 St-Francis 

450-691-4970 

Said Eucharist 8:00 am 

Choral Eucharist 9:30 am 

Chateauguay 

Community Church 

111 Lauzon Street 

450-699-4673 

Sunday Worship: 11:00 am


11 


Vincent Massey slips by Blazers 

Vincent Massey edged by Howard S. Billings September 27, but the Blazers gave the first place 

division team a run for their money. (photo: Cayla Patton) 

Cayla Patton 

Vanessa Macfarlane 

Howard S. Billings lost their Juvenile 

Boys 1B soccer match to Vincent Massey 

Collegiate 1-0 at Parc Louisianne in 

Rosemont September 27. Although 

they lost, the HSB Blazers played an 

exceptional game. 

Going into the match, the HSB boys felt 

a little nervous. They knew that the team 

they were about to play was the strongest 

team in their division. VMC consists of 

mainly triple-A players, according to 

Billings Coach Desmond Byrne. The 

Blazers didn’t know how well they would 

do and only hoped that they could rival the 

other team. 

However, the Billings players totally 

amazed themselves. They didn’t give up 

until the final whistle blew. “The boys 

worked their butts off and they never gave 

up,” said Coach Byrne. 

“We played a good game, but got 

unlucky in the end. Overall it was a great 

effort,” said Lukas Redguard, the Blazers 

goalie. 

Vision distribution 

Châteauguay 

All English schools and churches 

Chateauguay Public Library 

Mini-General, St. Francis 

Couche-Tard, Maple 

Chateau Bagel 

Civitan Club 

Photolux 

City Hall 

CLSC 

Curves 

55+ Centre 

Pizza SEMA 

Sous-Sol Hobby 

Chateauguay Legion 

Chateauguay Horizons Club 

Chateauguay Seniors (OLPH) 

Anna Laberge Hospital (CHAL) 

Kahnawake 

Kateri Hospital 

McComber’s Store 

Iron Horse Wear House 

Kahnawake Public Library 

Many of the HSB Juvenile Boys who 

play in Division One have been teammates 

since a very young age. These boys were 

brought together on city teams and led by 

the same parent-coaches, one of whom is 

Coach Byrne, and have become a stronger 

team each year since starting together in 

elementary school. He said this year is 

special because it will be their last year 

playing together before most of them 

graduate in June. 

The Blazer players appreciated their 

coaches during the game against VMC. 

They felt their mentors’ management of 

the team helped them get as far as they 

did. “While the opposing team’s coach was 

yelling at his players on the sideline, ours 

was encouraging. I can’t believe how much 

the other team argued on the field,” said 

Brandon Beerwort. The Vincent Massie 

boys were playing individually; it wasn’t 

as much of a team effort, noted the Billings 

players. 

The next Blazer game will be against 

LCCHS on Monday, October 18, at Howard 

S. Billings’ lower field. 

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS! 

The following citizens and businesses generously support Vision 

Vision’s Major Sponsors 

La table de concertation 

jeunesse de Châteauguay 

Forum Jeunesse Vallée du 

Haut-St-Laurent 

Chateauguay Civitan Club 

Equipment & Tech Support 

Howard S. Billings High School 

P.P.O of H.S. B. 

New Frontiers School Board 

Native Resource: 

a program of pride 

Marcella Cassab 

The Native Resource program is being 

offered this year at Billings with several 

enhancements. The program is designed 

specifically to encourage and promote the 

knowledge of the First Nations culture 

through French and English resource and 

cultural activities. 

The program has several goals. One is to 

help strengthen the literacy and language 

skills of Aboriginal students through 

activities that value their historical and 

traditional culture while exploring the 

English and French languages. 

Another aim is to help students 

develop an awareness of their individual 

interests and talents to develop life skills 

that will increase their confidence in all 

facets of life—both in school and in the 

community. 

The supervisors will work closely with 

students and their parents or guardians. 

They hope to decrease the rate of 

absenteeism and increase understanding 

of the importance of education. 

The academic resource classes include 

English taught by Ms Hutchings and 

French taught by Ms Montambeault. 

McGill Social Science student Ms. 

Samkissoon also assists in the program. 

Students will receive support through 

one-on-one learning, in small groups of 

four to six students, as well as through 

tracking support in the classroom. 

The students will also be able to 

participate in several cultural activities 

that are designed around their personal 

interests and that highlight individual 

talents. These activities will take place 

in the school and in the surrounding 

communities. 

This is not the first year that Billings 

has had a Native resource program; 

several projects that have been 

accomplished in past years, such as the 

large mural depicting their culture and 

spiritual traditions on the wall close to 

the cafeteria created in 2006. The same 

year a two-hour variety show that dealt 

with contemporary Native literature 

and issues raised $500.00 for the Turtle 

Island Theatre Company in Kahnawake. 

In addition to the academic aspect, the 

program offers a leadership club during 

lunchtime where all Native students are 

welcome to participate in activities and 

discussions relating to the First Nations 

culture, while also having a place to feel 

comfortable and meet new friends. 

Ms. Iaboni, left, joins the Native Resource staff—Ms. Montambeault, Ms. Samkissoon, 

and Ms. Hutchings—at their table during Open House. (photo: Ronald Gutierrez) 

Patrons 

McDonald’s Restaurant 

Tom & Mike Cappelli 

Ed Colton 

Catherine Hooper 

Alish O’Keeffe 

Chateauguay Seniors 

Debbie Hofer


12 


Adrenaline junkies compete at Spotflat 

Nick Hamilton 

Skateboarders and spectators alike came 

together for skateboarding, music and 

BBQ at Le Spotflat Adrénaline 2 event on 

Saturday, September 18, at the skate park 

near the Chateauguay Maison des Jeunes. 

For a fee of 10 dollars, skaters of all 

ages were able to compete with their 

peers for an Element Skateboards Gift 

Package and a cash prize. There were two 

categories for this event; Category A, and 

Category B. Category A consisted more 

experienced skaters who put on a show for 

spectators and the 

other competitors, 

while Category B 

was composed of 

skaters aged 13-15 

years old. 

There were 2 

rounds for each 

category. Skaters 

got approximately 

2 minutes per round to use the whole skate 

park individually and show the judges their 

skills. 

The bonus round put all of the skaters 

together for a “Best Trick” contest, 

competing for a cash prize. 

As host José Mercier announced the 

winners of each category, it brought an end 

to this competition, but it also started the 

practice round for next year’s competition. 

The event was organized by Boutique 

Adrénaline. 

Nick Hamilton, left, shows the judges his skills 

during Le Spotflat Adrenaline 2 skateboard 

contest at the Maison des Jeunes September 

18. Skaters compete in the park together 

during the Best Trick contest (above) and prizes 

are awarded to contestants by the sponsors at 

the end of the day (centre). (photos: Morgan 

Lefebvre and Anik Wilton) 

Editorial 

Impaired driving must STOP! 

Shelby Bonhomme 

“It Won’t Happen To Me”... 

…are words that slip through teenage 

lips on a regular basis. How many of us 

came into school Monday morning two 

weeks ago and heard about a horrible 

incident that occurred the Friday night 

before: a car accident resulting in critical 

injuries to three people that many of us 

know, two being students who attend our 

school. 

Teenagers & Car Accidents 

Everyone seems to have a story. 

Everyone seems to know someone who 

has lost their life or been injured in a car 

crash, whether the 

cause was speeding, 

driving under the 

influence, driving 

while texting, or the 

simple act of not 

buckling up a seat 

belt. 

Statistics 

• According to 

Statistics Canada, 

teens and young 

adults between the 

ages of 19 and 24 

account for 56% of those charged with 

impaired driving and nearly 200 lose their 

lives every year. 

• Those aged 16 to 24 are 240% more 

likely to be injured or killed in a traffic 

accident than the rest of the population. 

• The rate of persons 19 to 24 accused of 

impaired driving doubles on the weekend 

(Friday - Sunday). 

• In 2002 an estimated 1.7 million 

Canadians admitted to driving when they 

thought they were impaired. 

• The risk of a car accident is highest in 

the first year a teen receives their licence. 

• In 2/3 of all adolescent vehicle 

fatalities, seatbelts were not worn. 

• It is statistically 

proven that fatalities occur 

more often when a male 

is behind the wheel, than 

a female. Out of 100,000 

male teen drivers, 19.4 lose 

their lives in car accidents, 

whereas only 11.1 out of 

100,000 female drivers die 

in car accidents. 

If it doesn’t happen to 

me and it doesn’t happen 

to you, why are so many 

families suffering the agony 

of burying their 

sons, daughters, 

sisters. brothers, 

nieces, nephews 

and cousins? As 

teenagers we 

don’t seem to 

realize that we 

are not invincible, 

immortal or 

indestructible. 

Facts 

√ Putting your 

seatbelt on takes 

3.2 seconds in 

the front or back 

seat. 

√ Driving the speed limit may take a 

couple of extra minutes, but it’s better to 

lose a minute in your life than lose your 

life in a minute! 

√ Driving while texting or talking on 

your cell phone takes your attention off the 

road. You are unable to make safe decisions 

if you aren’t aware of what is taking place 

around you. 

√ Driving under the influence, drugs or 

alcohol, is wrong. If you make a choice to 

consume, then the least you can do is hand 

over the keys. Don’t put your life, your 

Statistics show that 1/3 of adolescent vehicle fatalities involve alcohol, 

and drivers who text are four times more likely to get into crashes that 

cause serious injuries. (photos: Vanessa McFarlane) 

friends and the public at risk. 

Or let’s put it in a different perspective. 

Next spring when the graduating class of 

2011 does the Grand March around the 

front of the school, do we want to have 

to leave an empty space in the line-up for 

the teenager who didn’t think it would 

happen to them? 

Let’s use the common sense that we 

teenagers are so often accused of not 

possessing. Let’s be the generation that 

changes the disturbing statistics. 

Let’s arrive alive.

October 2010 - Howard S. Billings Regional High School

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