Simon says .....
Greetings Simon from all of your friends here at McQuarrie! Well, today was the big day! We missed you at McQuarrie, but we know that this is the beginning of a great adventure for you! Now that you 'live' in Toronto and have started your new 'job', we are all looking forward to hearing from you and getting the 'scoop' on how life is going as a Parliamentary Page. We are excited for you and are curious to hear everything!
Simon, whenever you get a chance, please share some highlights. Everyone else, if you have any specific questions for Simon, please post them here. I'm looking forward to this discussion! Good luck Simon!
posted by Ms Watt @ 5:04 PM
84 Comments:
I'm sooo excited to hear from you Simon...you know why? Cuz this is a start to a very big political career for you...you can like be a really awesome politician!
Anyhow...it would've really been cooler if you were here today...we missed you lots-especailly in this simulation activity!
Simon, politics is where you need to be, as long as I can give you imput (Kidding! But if you need help, we here have got your back.)
It is my hope to see you excel in such an area. I wish you well!
Lang Mae Yer Lum Reek
Postman Craig
simon, hope all is well. yesterday, we went to the art gallery and acted out a simulation activity. at one point i had seven percent of the world's wealth! you'll be glad to know i changed my i.s. again, but this time it's actually going well. how's everything at the parliament? have you had to make any sandwiches yet?
What is the weirdest thing you or any one else has had to do?
Is it a good program? Did you learn anything? Did you mess up? Funny we have so many questions to ask you-the future politician.
What new unexpected surprises have you recieved? What have you learned?
How long do you stay up?!
That sounds like an awesome job! What a great way to get started on your political career! Is it fun? Hard?
Ms. Watt- I think (hope) I left my lunch bag at McQ. on Wednesday. Could you tell me if it is there? (I hope it is not a bother...) It is bluish grey, and it might be in my locker (#5). If it is , is there a time my mom and I could pick it up? Thanks!!!!
Good luck at your career Simon!
WOW! Sounds amazing! It sounds like a lot of fun, and I was wondering what kind of stuff you do there. What is your normal day like? Have you met lots of people yet? I hope you have lots of fun.
good luck!
Yeah? What is a normal day like for you? When do you get school? Can you name all the people in the cabinet? I sure can't!!
Woot!
Heeeeeeeey Simon,
How's life in parlament? I'm sure by now you're enjoying yourself so much that you'll never want to leave. But you can't stay forever. Martin would never forgive you if you didn't come back, so unless you want to be hunted down and kidnapped out of your political little bed I suggest you do two things: write on the blog regularily and come home when you're supposed to. What can I say? We all miss your no-nonsense-terrorism ways.
ANYwho, hurry up and tell us about all of your little political adventures...they're bound to be interesting with you involved.
Simon, are you still alive?
Sorry Everyone I was very busy. My Apologies. Evertyhting is great up in Toronto. I am already picking up some new debating tactics. I have to deliver lot;s of things. it has been very interesting meeting all of the people from all over the province. Some are from Ottawa and Sudbury. Well right now I am pretty tired so good bye everyone.
PS, I am sorry couldn't right a little earlier. Computer not working very well.
Kewl!!!!
Neat-o! That sounds awesome!
You've already started! I thought you might get, like, training or something. Did you? Did you have to write a test? How do the politions (spelling) tell you if they want something? Do they ring a bell? What? How? Who?....
So MANY questions!!
Tell us what you've learned!!!! Have u heard like, any secret conversations?
Well on the first day they gave us a bit of training but that is basically it. When the politicians want something they just snap there fingers very loudly, very very loudly. And no i haven't heard any secret conversations. Everything you can catch on channel 72. Nothing secretive at all. Sometimes though you don't know where the stuff is supposed to go and you get lost.
Woooow!!!! Just getting to meet real live politicians who have a huge impact on the country is cool!!!! Get lost?! Don't u have like, any stress? Have u made any new friends there?!
Nice to have [finally] heard from you Simon. Now we can all be reassured that you haven't been kidnapped by some random enemy political leader or anything...hey, it could happen hahahahaha ;)
Anywho, it's so cool that you're already serving our country's politicains and everything...have you gotten lost many times yet? Have you made any friends from other provinces? Are the uniforms REALLY as weird as they everyone said they were?
I think it's so funny that they actually snap their fingers when they want you to do something for them...though bells still would have been SO much cooler :D Hope you're having a great time in parlament.
Oops...I think it's almost dinner time so ttfn!
I'm only meeting people from around the province. Not other provinces. And the uniforms are pretty weird
Kewl!!!!!!! You shouldn't worry about the weird uniforms...worry about politics!!!!!!!!!
The uniforms are pretty weird I know. Did you get in any trouble yet? What happens to the politicians who don't know how to snap their fingers? What things do you have to deliver for the politicians?
i can just imagine the general in a plaid jumper... i guess that perhaps politicians have to go to a finger-snapping 101 class.
Is it sometimes boring???? When I watch the parliment channel I find it really boring so.....WHat sort of things are they talking about??? Anyhing big or earthshattering???
If you meet any politicians I don't like, can you let me know so I can give them a piece of my mind? :) :) :) :)
Okay... not seriously. If one were to do such a thing, one might lose their job. Oh, and a word of warning- don't leave any of your "no-nonsense terrorist" plans lying around... I created a joke "hit list" with some friends and that winds me up having to talk to a police officer. Not harm actually intended, but be careful.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
lol.
It is quite a shocking experience. Not to worry, though, everything turned out fine. Basically, I told the truth, the school checked my records, and said "Hey, he hasen't done anything in the past, so he's most likely not guilty. Okay, you get three-day in-school suspnsion and we have no idea what this is listed under offense-wise." They I write three apology letters to my friends and music teacher, followed by a talk with the officer. Before I cam in he had made up his mind that I was not guilty, either and lectured me on why he had to be here and what would have happened if this were real. Then I see my music teacher and she tells me that I should write a letter to the V.P. upon her recommendation that my third day of suspension be moved from Wednesday to Thursday so I can participate in the Band excursion to Courtland and Laurentian. She actually has no idea how much her involvment in this is going to do (as I am suspended from extra-currucular activities,) but said that it is always worth a shot. As I say, the glass is always half full, because no matter how much you drink from it, you can always fill it with more water, if your get my jive. Yes, jive. I can be olde-fashioned if I dost wisheth.
Maybe I am a master at off-topicness. Please give more reports, Simon, and remember, take everything the politicians say with a grain of salt (I'd perfer sugar, but whatever.) Hope to hear from you soon!
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
That's a good point, q squared. What about those politicians who lack the ability to snap? Are they to be forgotten and unserved? But, I guess it's kinda their fault if they can't snap.
Oh, and raindrops_on_roses, it's kinda unlikely simon will be kidnapped by an evil enemy politician. I think.
Oh.....you guys are all funny and unique...Simon..don't forget us!
What has been ur most exciting moment so far?????
Simon...what time do u sleep?!
Oooogh... "The Adventures of Simon, part one: Kidnapped from Parliment!" I smell a novel idea!
Ha, ha. You can tell who had nothing to do today.
JK, Simon. How do you deal with ignorant, or bad-attitude politicans? Have you ever found yourself ready to burst out give one a slice of your reasoning?
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
Oh Simon, you must be very busy, you haven't been on the blog since the weekend. I'm very exited about the Toronto trip. Simon, have you seen a ghost? We read this article today which said there are ghosts in the area of Queen's Park. Don't be afraid, I'm not a ghost believer myself. But in case you see one, don't scream.
So Craig, you are going to the concert of Courtland, Larentian and Camron-Well, be careful, because Larentian is pretty good.
Which politician do like best????!!!! Which things are a must-see for us when we come next week??!!!
Wat time do most politicians sleep?????????????????????????
Unfortuantely, I couldn't work out me going today, but I do a killer Sgt. Pepper's when I am there. And that's because the music teacher said that I should discard the sheet music and "rock it out!"
After the Gr. 8 band was disbanded (no pun intended,) I joined the fresh sevvies (who would now be the respectable eighters) for that year, so, yes, I know that Laurentain's band is quite good.
Rocking On and (now everyone knows why,)
Postman Craig
P.S. Simon, don't be worry about so-called ectoplasmic beings. I have to say they don't exist, but just in case:
"When there's something strange... in your neighborhood... who ya gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS!
If I were Simon I'd have a political debate with those ghosts of former politicians!!!! How cool is that? Just imagine.....sigh.....
Too bad you weren't there. Camron performed pertty well. The thunderstorm one and the blizzered one was spectacular. And many laughed at the horse at the end.
Anyway simon, I don't think you are very bored at the legislation, because you haven't visited the blog for half a week(I could hardly do that). As about the ghosts. Isn't coincidence that many people reported ghosts? And the article was even in the newspaper.
BEWARNED...
A discussion with the ghosts? I could not think of anything scarrier than that. By the way Simon, if you ever get a chance to talk with John A. Macdonald, say hi to him for me.
I wish I were at the Camron thing...
Yeah Simon, say hi to the politicians for me!!!
I thought I'd let you know that I just talked to Simon's mom and she said that Simon is really enjoying all of your comments and questions, and the friendship that they express. Unfortunately, the computer in his 'classroom' is broken and his aunt does not have internet access, so he can only read and write to us on the weekends! But.....keep the comments coming - he's really appreciating this connection with us. Also....if you have the Parliamentary Channel on your TV, check it out - apparently you can see Simon from time to time! Cool, eh?
Not only is Simon a political star, but now a TV star too! Wow!!
(See you in a few days Simon!)
As I said before...this is just a great beginning to Simon's awesome future career....
It's really kewl that we can see u on TV!!!!
Did you guys hear about the separatism of Quebec? I think it's totally ridiculus. I mean, we have to learn French for the whole time, and look what we get-a split nation! (French, of course, wasn't my favorite subject.)
Simon, if you can keep an eye (or an ear) on the arguments in the legislation about that matter, that will be great.
We had a workshop about IB today at Laurentian. So to keep the long story short: IB program is hard.
Simon, drop a line to Churchill's ghost if he's visiting! :)
As for reality, if you meet Harper, Craig says Salutations.
Oh, and be sure to wave at the Camera, if possible.
Q Squared, do you mean the Tempest and Sleigh Ride? I told some of the Trumpets that technique for the whinney. First Valve and shake the instrument slightly. If you know any trumpet players, get them to try it!
IB program is hard? Is that really bad or good?
Occasionally it goes to orders of the day when it is extremley boring. And believe me when i say that. But overall it is fun. What time are you going to be there looking forward to seeing you.
I'll get my friend to try that trick tomorrow, since my friend is the best trumpet player currently available at Laurentian. We asked Mis. Dalbello (or whatever her name spells) if the band could play the songs Camron guys played, and she turned us down and said it was too hard.
And for the I.B. programs. Yes, it's hard, and costly ($1300 if you didn't fail any courses). The hard stuff comes when you are talking about the TOK and the 4000 words essay. Craig will explain that better than I could.
P.S. Simon, it's good that your computer is fixed. (Unless you are didn't use your computer to write the previous post)
IB is obviously more challenging right off the bat; however, you'll have to pick your electives carefully, possibly picking some of your Gr. 11 courses in grade 10 (as in, you can take grade 11 electives in grade 10.) This is beacus your 11-grade year is different, you do not get any electives in IB (and IB only) because they are chosen for you, such as Theory of Knowledge. It is a required course that can be fascinating or annoying, and watch me get kicked out of class for something becasue I know they'll be controversy.
Your senior years up the ante somewhat. Things get more challenging, and start costing you money, and that is only when you can begin your volunteer hours. On the plus side of $1300, your courses' exams are modified depending on the person so you are tested on your strengths only. If you are weak in an area, you won't get tested on it, so, in a sense, you are graded higher.
The essay guidlines are fairly vague and open as far as I know. Basically, 4000 words, due by the end of the year and assigned at the beginning of the year. You can do research and talk about anything you wish. I have no idea about crediting sources or anything about that, but I can't see that as being a huge problem. It varies from topic to topic.
All I have said is required to pass with an IB diploma. If you choose to not take all-IB courses, but just some, you are exempted from TOK, the essay and extra community service hours. But I know you wouldn't do that. The stakes are higher, the risks are few though, and the rewards are also great... should you choose to accept.
So, um... what was the reason in me explainign this?
Simon! Good to hear from you! Please keep us informed on your fascinating exploits at Parliment!
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
P.S. Cameron band stuff is very hard... and gets harder.
Edit: Toronto Parliment, that is.
Thanks lots for the advise.
correct spelling: "advice"-noun not "advise"-verb
Of coarse. You learned English sooooooooooo fast....it's like...only like 2 years since u've been in Canada?! You're just the right person for Cameron height's IB program!!!
That's flattering, I just found the difference between "advise" and "advice" less than 18 hours ago. Um...I think we are off topic for at least two days. (If only Simon was here everyday we won't be).
So Simon, It's going to be very fun(ny) watching you in the legislation. What things do they discuss there?
Yeah...it's gonna be funny, but mostly cool and interesting!!! I think it's gonna be funny, becuase well, Simon, the politician of Mc'Quarrie, is in the legislation!!! You know, I kind of expect him to shout and disagree with a not so good politician!!!
I'd do that. But Simon might lose his job over that.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
So what? He stood up for the right, because it's right.
Yes;Simon doesn't care about what other politicians might think! He'd do what's right! (or would he?)
Just joking=:)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Of couse he would stand up for what's right. But it's not considered to be proper for someone outside of the debate to get into one... and in his position, he has to show respect for his superiors, or else he'll get a black mark on his record for poor service. I know, lame excuse. There is alwas a time and a place, and that's off-duty!
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
That sounds funny!
Uh...sorry...I forgot to mention...I wasn't here today so that why I laughed when I read Liliy's comment.
Hi Simon and everyone,
I deleted a couple of comments made earlier today.....I'll explain why when I see you in person. Let me paraphrase some of what those comments said here for now....
I managed to capture a few moments of channel 72 that had YOU on it Simon! We all really enjoyed seeing the Legislature in session and YOU in action. We saw you sitting, standing, delivering messages and looking quite fine in your fancy suit! It made us all even more excited to get down there TOMORROW!! Only one more sleep!
We'll see you then and talk to you sometime soon we all hope!
from Ms Watt and all of your McQ friends who are soon to be Queen's Park gallery members!! Yippee!
You don't have to tell me because I know why after I thought about it.
Rocking On,
Postman Criag
Hope you had fun today guys! I wish I was there with you...
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
We did have fun.....it would've been great if u came!
First: my name doesn't spell that way!
Second: Hi Simon, I wish you could've spoken with us today, or at least glance at us for one second. Just joking, I understand you are a busy person, just don't get fired. The place was beautiful, I can't believe you work in such a nice environment with the top politicians of Ontario.
Third: postman craig, I have no idea why you didn't come today. Is it because of the IB program?
Simon glanced at us....I made eye contact with him!
Simon, wat time do u sleep?
Really? He was too busy to make eye contact with the rest of the group I guess. I bet that Simon won't sleep as late as you do, Sappire.
All you people talking about Cameron, take a breath! You guys are all scaring yourself,it's really not that difficult. OF course, there is the challenge here and there but wouldn't it be boring without them??? By the way, I find myself doing even BETTER mark wise in teh IB program that regular school. That proves that we CAN handle it if its what you WANT and if you're decicated to it. Keep the ?'s rolling....
K
Sorry about the previous typ-O's (Still developing those skills at Cameron...)
What do you mean you had no idea I had come? I'm technically not a McQ student so I would be permissed to go with you :(:(:(:(:(
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
P.S. Kayla, keep doing your thing! :)
Thankx for saying Cameron's not a nightmare!
If it was a nightmare, then I'd be a creepy mutant robotic skeleton that sometimes circumvents his programming... eck.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
You kind of are creepy. JUST JOKING! Loooooooooooooooooooool. Okay, I can see that Cameron Heights is great cuz u go there, and u're pretty coll and intelligent.
*cool
Postman Craig, just thought that you would like to miss school for that (I would).
Sappire, Camron is a good school, IB is a good program, so you should go there. My sister went to Camron before, and she said that was the best school she have been to. (she have been moved to alot of schools before).
I'm considering it!
You should! There are no stresses in IB, because I just asked my sister's friend who was in IB last year as a grade 12. She said it will gave you more opprotunities to go to a better university. (She is thinking about Halvard).
To tell u the truth....my 1st choice is in a whole other country.
Are you going to IRAN after this year??? WOW! But but but... OK are you sure?
Sigh. Nothing is clear yet. I'm still going to applie for a highscholl here-Cameron Hights.
Heeeeeeyyyyyyyyy general s ur'e back right?!
Post a Comment
<< Home