​On November 23rd, Post-Secondary Institutions from all over British Columbia came to Alpha Secondary to share resources and information with students. Both Simon Fraser University and Capilano University had information sessions where students and parents could learn and ask questions about university admissions, programs and requirements.

By Sara Wong

The school cafeteria had some competition on Friday November 17th, as Alpha’s social justice club, the Offence, brought back their popular Spud Sale fundraiser. For just $3.50, members served baked potatoes “with all the fixings” to a hungry lunch crowd. This fundraiser will help with the club’s monthly event called Spud Patrol, where Offence members hand out baked potatoes to the homeless in the Downtown Eastside. This time, the Offence sold 70 potatoes, raising a total of $245! 
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What else has the club been doing? Well, they sure have been busy! Recently, the club ran the campaign Coats 4 Kids, with all donations being sent to the Rotary Club. Currently running is their third annual toiletry supply drive. “We will be collecting starting December 13th until January 19th,” Paniz Najjarrezaparast, Offence co-chair says. So if you’re going on vacation this winter break, make sure to stock up on those hotel freebies! You may not need ten mini shampoo bottles, but someone else will greatly appreciate them. 

By Sara Wong
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The newly organized Mental Health Awareness Club kicked off their first fundraiser with a sweet start. During lunchtime, on November 20th, 2017,  the club offered up delicious treats such as peppermint bark, sugar cookies, brownies, and – the most popular of all – red velvet cupcakes to the students at Alpha. As expected, the club sold out by the end of lunch; making about $88 in profit. 

“The money we made is to hopefully get some speakers in to come talk to the students about some mental health issues we are unaware about,”  announced club founder, Anna Wong. “They can talk to us about how to handle with the issues and where to go to get help.” 
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“One of our goals is to have something planned every day of the week during Mental Health Awareness Week, which happens May 14th to 20th,” shared club secretary, Sam Tam,  when asked about what the Mental Health Awareness Club had planned next. “For one of those days, we want to bring therapy dogs into the school gym, where students and teachers may visit. Therapy dogs are a great way to relieve stress!” If you are interested in joining, the Mental Health Awareness Club meets every Wednesday at lunch in room 314.

By Eun Bin Moon and Nadiya Scratchley
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​Vibrant glow sticks, an impressive DJ, and stunning dance moves! Alpha’s Student Government put on an electrifying dance in the large gym, themed around a “glowing” ambience through the use of black lights and glowsticks.

“I think in the end it was really worth it,” says Paniz Najjarrezaparast, a Grade 12 Offence representative. Many hours were spent by students with the goal of throwing a stellar dance.
One of Alpha’s Student Government’s many focuses was advertising the dance through Snapchat, Instagram, and posters. All of their efforts were certainly not in vain.

By Eun Bin Moon

On Remembrance Day, the 11th hour marks the end of hostilities during the First World War and gives Canadians the opportunity to remember and honour all those who fought for the freedom that people have today. To show their respect and support for Canadian troops, many people wear poppies before and on Remembrance Day.

On November 9, Alpha held two assemblies in the large gym that recognized Remembrance Day to accommodate the number of students. In second block, the teachers at Alpha gave students a poppy to wear before going to the assembly. Students were also reminded to remove their headwear and to refrain from clapping after the performances as it was a solemn assembly. The Remembrance Day assembly began with RCMP Constable’s and Canadian Armed Forces Corporal’s entrance to the gym.