Current Events
The following stories made up the headlines of today’s current events portion of class:
- A 5 year old child was miraculously rescued after being trapped for 80 hours in China. Chinese officials now say that the death toll has risen to 22,000; there are concerns that it could rise higher than the 300,000 killed in a 1976 quake. 200,000 homes have been destroyed and nearly 4 million have been damaged beyond repair. Refugees are clogging the roads and hamper the efforts of 130,000 rescue personnel.
- The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) has ruled that the Crown is responsible for demonstrating that youths committing violent crimes require adult sentences. Previously, the Defence had to prove that adult sentences were not warranted. The Conservatives waited for the decision before introducing amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act that would require mandatory adult sentences for violent youth crimes.
- It is expected that thousands will attend the public funeral of Michael Starker, the 83rd Canadian killed in Afghanistan. The funeral will be held in Calgary.
- A recent Canadian study has demonstrated that Vitamin D plays a significant role in Breast Cancer survival for women. Those with adequate to high levels of vitamin D are 94% less likely to have cancer spread to other areas in the next decade, and a significantly higher survival rate.
- It is expected that the Federal government will announce the banning of 200 chemicals used to produce consumer goods ranging from breast implants to chewing gum. The controversy surrounds the use of vinyl acetate and silicone.
- Lionel Ketola, a married gay man, will be ordained as a minister in the Lutheran Church. The Church will not recognize him, as Church regulations require Gay minister to be celibate. Ketola believes that this will be an important first step for gay couples.
- The international sport governing body says that South African disabled Sprinter Oscar Pistorius will be allowed to compete against able bodied athletes for a spot in the Olympic Games. He had been originally barred because of the carbon fibre blades used by the double amputee sprinter.
Period One: History 30
Following current events the class view Mackenzie-King and the Conscription Crisis. A discussion of the accompanying questions was completed after the video. The presentations on Canada’s Role in World War Two will begin on Tuesday, May 20.
Period Two: History 20
Following current events the class completed the notes and an assignment on the Holocaust. The assignment questions were discussed and student learned how easy it is to take the first step toward genocide.
Period Three: History 20/Band
The class reviewed the Unit Three materials ahead of next Thursday’s Unit Three Exam. The class will complete the review with first few minutes of Tuesday’s class before starting Unit Four.
Period Four: History 30
Following current events the class view Mackenzie-King and the Conscription Crisis. A discussion of the accompanying questions was completed after the video. The presentations on Canada’s Role in World War Two will begin on Tuesday, May 20.
Period Five: History 10
Following current events the class discussed the questions from Italian unification. Notes on German Unification were completed and page one of the German Unification jigsaw was begun. The first page is due on Tuesday, May 20.
The review for next week’s unit exam was handed out at the end of the period.
