Patrick Wins GOLD ... Best in Canada

We're so proud to announce that today Patrick was awarded the GOLD MEDAL for the Best Junior Engineering Project at the CWSF in Peterborough.  There is only ONE given and our Patrick was the fortunate one to receive it.  That means he's the BEST in Canada.  I can't believe that it happened and it is just settling in that he won.  Nearly 500 students from across Canada competed in 9 different categories (one of which is Engineering) and only one GOLD, 2 SILVER and 3 BRONZE are given in each of these categories for Juniors (grades 7-8), Intermediates (grades 9-10) and Seniors (grades 11-12).  There are 9 potential Junior Gold Medals offered up and some categories did not even have projects that merited it being awarded.

For his achievement, Patrick received a GOLD MEDAL, $1,500 Cash and a $10,000 Scholarship to any University in Canada (oops, May 26 editor addendum: we were misinformed, Patrick's division's GOLD MEDAL is awarded a $4,000 scholarship ... only the Environment Innovation division had the unique $10,000 scholarships).   Of the 9 divisions, 7 (?) qualify for the Best Junior Project in Fair.  We're not sure how Patrick fared in this particular competition but the winner received a further $5,000 in cash ... something to shoot for next year in grade 8.

more pics

Patrick Off to CWSF in Peterborough

Today, Paddy left with his Team BASEF 2010 for Peterborough for the week long CWSF competition.  More information about the Fair is available at http://www.cwsf2010.ca/   We wish Patrick luck at the competition.

He will be keeping a personal Blog of his exploits http://passingtimewithpat.blogspot.com/  and we hope to hear lots from him.

But the TEAM BASEF 2010 is also keeping a Blog of the Team's exploits on http://basef-at-cwsf-2010.blogspot.com/ and is updating regularly with pictures on their Flickr Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/team-basef/4610594550/in/photostream/   We'll be keeping an eye for Patrick.

The CWSF is also keeping a Photo site as well http://www.cwsf.ca/2010/index.php

True Asians Have NO Red-Eyes

A curious observation evolved out of some pictures I took of our kids at some recent events.  The pictures were of some of our kids with their fellow tennis and badminton teammates.  It became apparent from the pictures that had a sampling of Asians and non-Asians that the Asians did not respond to flash photography in producing red-eyes.  Coach G will have to explain herself.  Have a look ... ,  Click on the picture for a full screen view.

Nick at GHAC Tennis and Badminton Championships

St. Marys is reviving their tennis team and as Nick has been so keen to do in his first high school year ... he has volunteered to join, this being his 5th school sports team.  Despite not having a tennis racquet in his hand in over 5 years, he did quite reasonably well playing Boys Doubles at the Region's GHAC Tennis Championships. Unfortunately, his team got ousted in the first round.  click here for more pictures (password is "tennis")

Two days later, he's at it again as he tries his hand at Badminton ... results to come.

In Boys Singles, Nick won his first match handily and was given a bye right to the 3rd round.  Unfortunately, he succumbed to a BT opponent.  However, given a little more training, I am sure he would have advanced further.

more pics here

Patrick Receives a Board's Director Award

We're happy to announce that like his sibs before him, Patrick has been honoured by receiving one of the School Board's Director of Education Award.  He received it for his work in Science.  The awards are issued annually with each school choosing their winners and being so honoured individually by the Director of Education at the Boards Head Office.  Patrick is here pictured with the Director, Pat Amos.

Ossie Wants Us All to Read This ... "The Brick"

THE BRICK

Are these For Real?

Are these for real or have they been Photoshop'ed?  Ossie sent me these to share with the rest of us so have a look.  I have my suspicions but see for yourself ....