Words From Ward

Love is in the air! In this weeks episode, two of our senior couples will be answering questions on how they deal with certain situations in the relationship.

Have you ever struggled with taking chances and regret not taking it afterwards? Ever missed out a chance to talk to the possible love of your life? Ever wanted to join a club in school but you were just too scared to join? Well In this weeks episode Chantle, Gaby, and Aby talk about their experiences and ways we can encourage ourselves to not be afraid of taking chances.

Words from Ward is back! Starting this season off we have Francine, Erica, and Angelo talking about the beginning of their senior year; how they are feeling about being a senior, and overall reminiscing their past years in Mary Ward.

Humbug or Holiday cheer?  The holiday season is upon us, and who better to analyze its meaning but our very own Lanay and Esther! These two wise and weary students share some clever and humorous accounts of their experiences with Christmas, presents and presence.  So grab that hot cocoa, put on your ear buds and cozy on up to our Christmas episode.   Merry Christmas, Wolverines, and...

Ever wonder who's behind all the morning announcements, bbq's and spririt weeks?  A group of elected students known as SAC, Mary Ward's student council! Join us in this episode where SAC members - Pia, Selemun, and Francine - discuss the goals and challenges they face as student body representatives.  You'll hear what they have in store for Christmas, spirit week and other future events....

Growing up is not always what it's cracked up to be, and yet sometimes it can be pretty cool.  In this week's episode we look at the theme of growing pains and the challenges that come with growing up.  Join Mayumi, Mitzi and Selina as they discuss their experiences growing up as students and teenagers, and the transitions between childhood, adolescence, and the feeling of "needing" to g...

Join grade 11 OASIS leaders Francine, Mayumi and Soloman as they ask grade 9's about their experiences at Mary Ward so far.   Music performed by Thushan Johnson.  

Welcome back to a new season of Words from Ward.   In this first episode of the 2022-2023 school year, grade 11 students Lanay and Esther continue an important conversation about Faculty Diversity.  In this second part of the conversation they're joined in studio with principal Mr. Wetzel to discuss the intricacies connected with this necessary topic. We hope you enjoy this week's episod...

In this final episode of the year, Emma and Chantel interview new teachers about their thoughts on self-directed learning model.  You'll hear from Ms. David, Mr. Gozun and a handful of other awesome teachers about their experiences with SDL, what they love about the program and what they would have done differently.   We hope you enjoy this episode.  Music performed by Thushan Johns...

On this episode grade ten students Lanay, Esther and Francine look at the important topic of faculty diversity and how crucial it is for students of colour to be represented by the teachers who teach them.  This courageous conversation uncovers students' experiences, feelings and frustrations along with an urgent call for change.   We hope this episode encourages some insights around thi...

It was a French class discussion on social injustices that brought these three passionate leaders together. Now they run a non-profit organization called Lead the Conversation .  Join grade 11 students Rand, Shanelle, and Pia, as they talk about their organization where they work on a gamut of initiatives.  From raising awareness on AAPI issues to raising money for the Black Lives Matter...

The pandemic has been a scary and frustrating time for all of us, but with resilience and a lot of contemplation, Mary Ward students continue to manage as best they can.  Join Angelo and Francine as they speak with students about their experiences with the pandemic and how they've been coping.  In the podcast studio, along with their friend, Erica, they talk about the start of the pandem...

We've waited almost two years, and it's finally here!  Mary Ward's self-directed learning model is back!   In this week's episode grade 10 hosts Angelo and Francine discuss with their friends Sarah (grade 9) and Mayumi (grade 10) their experience with SDL so far.    Having missed self-directed learning in their first year at Ward, Angelo and Francine share what it's like t...

This week we welcome some new members to our podcast,  grade 10 hosts Lanay and Sherika.  These new Words From Ward hosts begin their hosting debut strong as they discuss the topic of women.  As a way to commemorate International Women's Day and Month, Lanay and Sherika unpack womanism, feminism, the experiences of black women and women of colour, intersectionality and so many more...

In this week's episode Giuliana hosts friends Hannah & Julia in a discussion about high school friendships, future goals for post secondary and how quickly perspectives change from grade 9.  This grade 12 trio share some humbling revelations about the ever shifting landscape of friend groups and how it's all part of the process.    Join Giuliana, Hannah and Julia in this honest...

When they met in grade 9, it was love at first sight, and they've been together ever since.  On this special Valentine's week episode long time couple, Jan and Jana, discuss what it's like to be in a relationship.    Join Andy, Nith and this special couple as they discuss important tips on being together.  Music performed by Thushan Johnson.   

It's been put on hold for almost two years, but self-directed is coming back! Our principal, Mr. Wetzel, visits the podcast studio again to speak with Andy and Nith about plans to re-enter into Mary Ward's self-directed learning model.  Mr Wetzel walks us through the school's plans for self directed learning and what it will look like.   It's going to take some training wheels to ge...

Old friends Anita and Emen share a call they had shortly after the return to school where they discussed the COVID stigma, finding support systems in challenging times and....books?  These young but old friends exchange some sage advice while having some laughs. Join us for this week's episode.     Music performed by Thushan Johnson.

Happy New Year, Mary Ward, and welcome back to our podcast.   Join us for this week's episode when Andy introduces us to his special student guest, Joseph.   This clever, witty and wise young man shares his secrets about virtual learning, his favourite subjects, his aspirations, and what it was like coming to a new school as a grade 9 student with cerebral palsy.  Joseph uses a...

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul" (Proverbs 27:19). Woodrow Wilson once said that, "friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together."  This episode proves this to be true.   Join Andy and Nith as they gather with friends, Riley, Jan, Shawn and Jaden and share their stories and memories of their experiences at Mary Ward pre-pandemic times and how their chance encount...

Students have auditioned.  The play has been cast.  And rehearsals have begun.   The Mary Ward Drama Department is gearing up to prepare for the musical, Working , and Mr. Mabrucco tells Nith all about it.  Take a listen to this week's episode and hear about what takes place behind the scenes.  After a year and a half of COVID disruptions Mary Ward is finally getting back...

Calling all grade 12 students! And all those curious grade 11’s. Are you worried about college and/or university applications? Are you stressed out and confused about the process of applying? Do deadlines freak you out? Fear no more! Ms. Burley and Mr. Wong are here! In this Guidance Part 2 episode, Andy speaks with our trusted guidance counsellors about the intricacies in applying to post-seconda...

If you’re juggling the demands of being a high school student and having a part time then you’ll appreciate this episode.  Julia and her friend Ramon compare their part-time work experiences and share stories of working through the pandemic.  Dealing in costumer service and balancing school with work is not always easy but Julia and Ramon seem to have it down.  Join us as these two...

At the end of a hectic week, GSA leaders Alex and Janay speak with Words from Ward hosts, Anita and Julia, about all things GSA.  Meet some of the most open and accepting students at Mary Ward as they share the importance of the GSA, feeling safe, and what it means to be LGBTQ+ and living at the intersections of our modern day society.   Music performed by Thushan Johnson

This week Andy and Julia welcome a very special guest, Dr. Brendan Browne, Director of Education at the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Just entering his second year as the TCDSB’s Director, Dr. Browne discusses his experiences of leading and parenting throughout a pandemic, while revealing his hopes for students as we move towards as close to a “normal” school experience. He shares some i...