One voice (the power of one) can make a huge difference.

Good Morning!

Read Free The Children (pages 63-68).  It is an inspiring collection of newspaper articles about a young teenager from Thornhill, Ontario, who has received world notice for his efforts in campaigning against child labor. Copy the following questions down in your Responding to Literature and answer them. 

1.  What information in the articles had the greatest impact on you? Why?

2.  How do you feel about Craig Kielburger and what he is doing? Why?

3.  How would you describe Craig?

4.  Do you think Craig and the Free the Children organization can make an impact on child labor? Why?

After reading the articles go to the Free the Children web site and read more about Craig and his brother.  Then go to the Ryan's Well Foundation site to read about another remarkable young man named Ryan Hreljac. He started an organization because he saw a need and knew that one person really can make an incredible difference.  

After learning about these extraordinary young men, work with a partner to create a Venn Diagram showing their similarities and differences. Venn diagrams will be presented on Wednesday. 

We celebrate people who walk in justice

"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6.8)

The other day we read The United Nations Rights of the Child (pg. 100 in your Religion text). It states very clearly that there are a number of intrinsic rights that we have as human beings such as life, food, clothing, housing, work, a living wage, etc). These rights are given out of justice, not out of charity; they are given because it is just and fair, not only because we feel generous.
In justice, one gives to others what is theirs by right.

1. We are called to love our neighbors - locally and globally. What do we do when we see others being denied their basic human rights? Many organizations have been created to fight for those people whose rights are being denied. Select an organization that is involved in social justice issues and research the organization:

- who started the organization? 
- how was the organization formed?
- who belongs to the organization?
- how long has it existed?
- what does it do to help community?
- what social justice issue does it undertake?
- what basic human right does it address?

You may choose one of the following:
- Development and Peace
- The Women's Shelter
- The Salvation Army
- Knights of Columbus
- Catholic Women's League
- United Way
- Soup Kitchen
- Food Bank
- Samaritan's Purse
- Ryan's Well 

(discuss your choice selection with your classmates to ensure that everyone researches a different organization)

2. We know that we have certain rights just because we're human but, unfortunately, not all rights are respected. With a partner, choose one right we all share (page 100) and make a public service announcement bringing people's awareness to the issue. It must be made to air on YTV. Watch  some of the following public service announcements made by young people around the world urging people to respect human rights. A public service announcement's goal is to educate and inform the public on a particular issue. It is also meant to inspire change in people's hearts. Think of who your target audience is. How will you accomplish those goals?
Presentations will take place on Wednesday, February 11.

Are you superstitious?

With Friday the 13th fast-approaching and our exploration of the short story The White Owl, I thought it would be interesting to look at some other superstitious beliefs. Take a look at the origin of some of these superstitions as well as some well-known superstitious athletes. Compile a list of 5 of the most fascinating superstitions and where they came from to present to the rest of the class.