| Ukraine | Great Britain | |
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| 3. mountains | ||
| 4. capital | ||
| 5. industries | ||
| 6. famous writers | ||
| 7. famous painters | ||
| 8. sports | ||
| 9. theatres | ||
| 10.famous singers composers | ||
| 11. youth |
Prepare reports about
a) big cities of Great Britain
b) historical events in Great Britain
c) great painters
d) famous writers
e) sights of London
f) famous painters etc.
g) education
Read additional texts
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CANADA
I. Read the texts
Land of diversity
What is population of Canada?
Is Canada a rich country?
Are Canadians a bilingual nation?
O Canada! Where pines and maples grow, From east to western sea
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow, Thou land of hope, for all who toil!
How dear to us thy broad domain, The true North, strong and free!
Canada /Indian "kanata" - a village/ is a magnificent land. It has an area of nearly 10,000,000 square kilometers and population about 28 million; 550,000 Indians, and 36,000 limits. 23% of population live in rural areas. The majority of the Indians live in 2,200 reservations. Canada has two official languages: English /69%/, and French /24%/. 6% of Canadians speak Italian, Chinese, German and Portuguese.
Within its borders lies a diversity of life, landscape and climate that few countries can rival. Bordered on three sides by oceans, Canada possesses a variety of terrain, from rainforests to nearly deserts. Its mountains range from the peaks of the western Cordillera to the peaks of the Laurentians. Canada has 7 land regions. The Canadian Shield, the Hudson Bay -Arctic Lowlands, Arctic islands, the Appalachian, the Great Lakes lowland, the Western Interior and the Western Cordilleras.
The Canadian Shield is the heart of North America and geographic foundation of Canada. It covers 48 % of the country. Some of the world's oldest rock - over 3 500 000 000 years old- is found here. It is called the storehouse of Canada's metallic minerals.
The Hudson Bay-Arctic Lowlands are covered by swampy forests. The harsh climate doesn't permit farming here but the animals and minerals of the region are important resources
The Appalachians stretch from the state of Georgia of the Southern U.S. to Newfoundland in the north. They are the oldest Highland region in Canada.
The Great Lakes lowland lies south of the Canadian Shield. It was formed during Paleozoic era. It includes the Great Lakes section.
The Western Cordillera stands along the western edge of Canada like a great wall. It is famous for beautiful glaciers. The Rocky Mountains are on the eastern side of the Cordillera. The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies is Mount Robson /3,954 ml.
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Canada is a northern country, but its climate varies dramatically. Winters can be long and cold, summers often scorching. Ocean currents moderate these extremes - the southwest coast of British Columbia is labeled Canada's banana belt". Two thirds of Canada has harsh winters /in the far north -40C, in the south -18C, at St. John's, Newfoundland -4C, in Victoria +4C/. Northern and Western Canada are cool in summer. A July temperature is +9C, +16C in Victoria. The interior has a continental climate. Southeastern Canada has a humid climate. Heavy snow covers eastern Canada in winter.
From the land comes a variety of riches. Forests are the basis of a lumber industries. The Prairie Provinces provide wheat and other crops. A bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables is reaped from fertile farming districts across the country. Canada is rich in petroleum, natural gas and minerals: its riches still uncounted. Canada is one of the teaming producers of nickel and zinc, silver, asbestos, uranium, molybdenum, potash and platinum.
Canada's water resources are remarkable. Its lakes account for one half of the world's fresh water. River systems provide hydroelectric power for domestic use and export.
The astonishing natural beauty attracts visitors from around the world. The people of Canada its greatest resource. A mixture of nationalities and races, its population has often been termed a "mosaic" Native people, Indian and Inuit, French and English are joined by immigrants from every corner of globe. It is officially bilingual nation.
Canadian symbols
THE DOMINION OF CANADA
"Shall form and be One Dominion under that Name accordingly."
The Constitution Act 1867
The Dominion of Canada, containing four provinces -Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick was established by the British North America Act on July 1, 1867. It combined features of the governments of the United States and Britain. Other provinces joined later: Manitoba -1870, British Columbia -1971, Prince Edward Island -1873, Alberta and Saskatchewan 1905, and Newfoundland and Labrador -1949. The Northwest Territories were annexed in 1870 and the Yukon Territory was made a separate territory in 1898.
THE ROYAL AND NATIONAL ANTHEMS OF CANADA
THE ROYAL ANTHEM
God Save our gracious Queen!
Long live our noble Queen!
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long reign over us,
God save the Queen!
The royal anthem is performed officially in Canada in the presence of members of the Royal Family, as part of the Salute accorded to the Governor General and Lieutenant Governors, and on other occasions.
The anthem originated as a patriotic song in London, England, in 1745. Neither the author nor composer is known.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love
in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts
we see thee rise,
The True North,
strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada,
We stand on guard
for thee.
God keep our land
glorious and free!
O Canada,
we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada,
we stand on guard for thee.
OCanada" was proclaimed Canada's National anthem on July 1,1980, 100 years after it was first sang in 1880. The music was composed by C.Lavallee, a well-known composer. The lyrics were written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Weir. French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Routier. The official English version includes changes recommended in 1968 by a special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons. The French lyrics remain unaltered.
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THE NATIONAL FLAG
The National Flag was adopted by Parliament on October 22, 1964. It is a red flag containing in the center a white square with a single red maple leaf. Red and white are the official colors for Canada, declared by King George V in 1921 in proclamation of Canada's Coat of Arms. The maple leaf was first associated with Canada as early as the 1700s.In 1834, the first St. Jean Baptiste Society in North America Bade the maple leaf its emblem. By I860, the maple leaf was incorporated into the badge of the 100th Regiment /Royal Canadians/ and was used in decorations for the visit of the Prince of Wales that year. Alexander Muir wrote the Maple Leaf Forever as Canada's Confederation song in1867; it was regarded as the national song for several decades. The coats of arms created the next year for Ontario and Quebec both included the maple leaf. Since 1965, with proclamation of Canada's new flag, the maple leaf has become: most prominent Canadian symbol.
THE COAT OF ARMS
The Coat of Arms displays a lion, a traditional royal symbol, holding die British flag, and a unicorn, a mythological creature with the Flag of Quebec. On the crest there is a heraldic representation of the Royal crown. Beneath the crown is a lion wearing a red maple leaf in its front right paw, and standing on a wreath of red and white cloth. The shield represents the emblems of Great Britain and Quebec to indicate British and French background of the country. Beneath the shield there is a motto: "A Mari Usque ad Mare" The base, or, compartment, is represented with the floral emblems- a thistle of Scotland, a rose of id, a shamrock of Northern Ireland and a white lily fleur-de-lis of Quebec.
From 1921, the Coat of Arms included three maple leaves as a distinctive Canadian emblem.
THE MOTTO OF CANADA
The motto of Canada is in Latin A Mari Usque Ad Mare - From Sea to Sea.
CANADA DAY
July 1st is Canada Day. It is the National holiday of Canada.
QUEBEC NATIONAL DAY
On June 24, French Canadians honor their patron saint Jean Baptiste. The province observes the holiday Quebec National Day.
THE BEAVER
The beaver attained official status as an emblem of Canada when an "act to provide for the recognition of the beaver as a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada" received royal assent on March 24,1975.
Ottawa
Who chose Ottawa to be the capital?
What was the present of Queen Juliana to Ottawa?
What is Winterlude?
O ttawa is the capital of Canada. It lies on hills along the south bank of the Ottawa River, 193-km west from Montreal. Attractive parks, stately government buildings add beauty to the city. Upper Town and Low Town are the oldest parts of Ottawa. In early times Indians traveled down the Ottawa River for hunting and trading. In 1613, the French explorer S; Champlain passed through the area. French fur traders used the Ottawa River as a route to the west. In 1784 the Loyalists settled in Ontario. After the war of 1812, the British feared another war with the U.S. They sought a way to send gunboats from Montreal to Lake Ontario without passing near U.S. territory. The British sent the Royal Engineers under Colonel John By to build the Rideau Canal.
In 1826, British troops formed, the first settlement in the area. The Rideau Canal linked the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario. The town around the construction site became known as Bytown. In 1841, Lower Canada /now Quebec/ and Upper Canada /now Ontario/joined to form the Province of Canada. In 1855, the townspeople of By town changed its name to Ottawa /Indian "adawe" -to trade/. Adawe was an Indian tribe that traded in the area. Ottawa was a small town when Queen Victoria chose it in 1857 to be the capital of the United Province of Canada. The Queen chose the small town of Ottawa over the cities of Toronto, Kingston, Montreal and. Quebec. Not only was Ottawa a political compromise but it also lay a more secure distance from the American border. The Dominion of Canada was established in 1867 with Ottawa as its capital.
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Parliament Hill is the site of Canada's Parliament buildings. Prince of Wales /Edward VII/ laid the first stone of the Center Block in 1860. The Center Block is flanked by the East and West blocks. The 3 buildings were completed in 1865. The Central Block includes the House of Commons, the Senate Chamber, the Peace Tower and offices of MPs.
The House of Commons is at the west end of the Central Block. 295 representatives make law here. It is decorated in traditional green of the British House of Commons. It is constructed of Canadian White Oak and limestone from Manitoba. Visible on the stone's surface are 450-million-year-old fossils.
The Senate Chamber is at the East end of the Center block. Here 104 senators review bills passed in the House of Commons. Red carpeting and a ceiling of gold leaf create an air of regal splendour in the Senate.
The Confederation Hall and the Hall of Honour separate the Commons from the Senate. At the end of the Hall of Honour is the Library of Parliament. Dominating the domed room is a white marble statue of the young Queen Victoria.
Peace Tower rises above the Parliament Buildings. It is 292 feet789m/ high. The peace Tower was built to commemorate the end of the WWI. The Tower contains an observation area and houses 53 bells that weigh 54 tons. During July and August the Guard performs a daily changing-the-guard ceremony in 1ront of the Peace Tower.
Canada's Prime Minister has an office in the East Block.
Other Government buildings include the Royal Canadian Mint where visitors may watch coins being made. The National Library exhibits historical documents. Government House is the official residence of the Canadian Governor General. The home of Prime Minister is nearby.
The National War Memorial, at Confederation Square honors the Canadians who died in action during the WWI and II. It consists of bronze figures of servicemen and service women marching through a granite arch. The National Arts Center opened in 1969. The structure houses opera, concert hall and 2 theatres.
Ottawa is famous for its museums. The National Gallery of Canada* has Canadian and European paintings. The Canadian Museum of Nature features animals and minerals. Laurier House is the former residence of Prime Minister and a historical museum. The Canadian Museum of Civilization illustrates the cultures of Inuit /Eskimos/ and Indians.
Ottawa has 647 hectares of parks and playgrounds. Annual events in Ottawa include the 10-day tu lip festival in May. More than 3 million tulip bulbs bloom in parks and along roadways. Queen Juliana of Netherlands sent the bulbs as a gift to Ottawa. During the WWII Juliana, then a princess lived in Ottawa. After returning home she sent Ottawa 100,000 tulip bulbs. Juliana sent Ottawa 15,000 tulip bulbs for the annual festival. Ottawa holds a 9-day winter festival, called Winterlude in mid-February. The festival features such sports as car and harness racing on ice, dog-sled racing and broomball / a variation of ice hockey played on ice without skates and with brooms and a soccer ball./
The Franco-Ontarian festival in June celebrates the French-Canadian culture of Ontario. Every August, the Central Canada Exhibition offers agricultural and industrial exhibits.
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Population of Ottawa is about 500,000. 85% of the people of Ottawa were born in Canada. The rest immigrated from Western Europe or U.S. English is the main language of most Ottawans. A number of people speak both English and French.
Ottawa has 335 manufacturing plants. The city is also a center of scientific research. Ottawa has 3 daily newspapers? The Citizen and The Ottawa Sun are printed in English and the Le Droit - in French.
The local TV stations broadcast in English and French. Out of 19 radio stations, 13 broadcast in English and 6 - in French.
Ottawa has 180 schools with 77.000 students. The city is home of Carleton University / 16.500 students/ and the University of Ottawa /20,000 students/. St. Paul University and the Dominican College of Philosophy and Theology are also in Ottawa.
CITIES
What is the world's tallest building?
What is "Top of Toronto"?
Where is world's Space Port?
There is always a geographical reason for the establishment of a city and Canadian cities are no exception.
KINGSTON
As one of the oldest cities in Canada, Kingston boasts an extensive heritage. Located at the end of the Great Lakes, Kingston was the western gate to North America in the 16th century. As a fort founded in 1673 Kingston became the first capital of the Province of Canada in 1841.
Kingston has been known as a "garrison" town. Point Frederick, the former British naval station and dock yard, overlooks Kingston's outer harbor. Kingston is the home of the Royal Military college, Fort Fortenac /1673/, and Fort Henry /1830s/.
Alas, its national role was shortlived due to its close proximity to the United States, a hostile neighbor at that time. The loss of capital status turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Kingston escaped forced growth and was left to gently increase over the decades.
Two national universities, a community college, a medical school, and three teaching hospitals give Kingston big city influence. But a regular farmer's market and easy access to cottage country give it small city accessibility and charm
Dominated by the harbor and graced by fine institutional buildings, Kingston has become a very pleasant place to reside.
TORONTO
Toronto is the second largest city of Canada and capital of Ontario. Its population is about 2 million. Toronto is a big port on Lake Ontario. It is an industrial city. Its industries include mechanical and electrical engineering, motor cars, shipbuilding, textiles, food processing, publishing and banking. Toronto is the home of University founded in 1827.
The places of interest in Toronto include Casa Loma, The CN Tower, the Sky Dome and Ontario Place.
Casa Loma is a wonderful castle. It was the home of the enormously wealthy royalist Sir Henry Pellat. The Sky Dome is Toronto's exciting new domed stadium, featuring the world's largest retractable roof. Its roof opens and shuts during sporting events. Ontario Place is a high-tech fun on the Waterfront. It has an out-of-this-world movie theatre.
The CN Tower is higher than the Eiffel Tower/320 m/. It is world's tallest freestanding building: 1815 feet /553,33 m. /. Step inside one of four glass-faced elevators and ride to the top in a thrilling 58 seconds. Marvel at the spectacular panoramic view of the city, Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands. From 1200 feet up on a clear day you can see Niagara Falls-and 75 miles the other way. Space deck /447 m/ is the World's Highest Public observation Deck. Dine in "high style" in the world's highest and largest revolving restaurant 'Top of Toronto". It provides a tour of Toronto in 72 minutes /one revolution/. There is Toronto's 'highest" nightclub "Sparkles" /346 m /. Dance to the latest music and enjoy a fantastic sound and light show of Toronto by night.
There is an optional visit to the ' Tour of the Universe ": a very realistic trip on a space shuttle in the year 2019. It is rated as one of the Top Ten Rides in North America. It is the world's only Space Port.
MONTREAL
Montreal is the living index of changing Quebec. A mixture of the distinctive spirits of Quebec, of Canada and North America, spikes with the many matured flavors of Europe. Bilingual, multilingual, unilingual- it depends who you are, who you are speaking to, and where you are in the city that straddles the
St. Laurence and its islands and drapes the lower slopes of the regal Mountain Montreal style is blending of styles.
It is the largest city in Canada. Its population is 1,200,000. Situated on wooded Montreal Island in the St. Laurence it is the chief port of Canada. It was founded in 1642 as a French city. Its population reached half million in 1911 and doubled in the next two decades. Emerged as Canada [s premier port, railroad and financial center it lost its economic primacy to Toronto in the late 1960s but remained home for many firms. Industries developed now are rolling stock, engineering, food processing, oil refining. There are two famous universities in Montreal- McGill, founded in 1821, English-speaking, and Montreal, chartered in 1919, French-speaking, Roman Catholic.
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VANCOUVER
Vancouver is the chief Pacific port of Canada with the population of 400,000.The main branches of industry are petrol refining, sawmilling, pulp and paper, food processing, shipbuilding.
Vancouver makes no secret of the fact that it is proud of itself. Its sea-girdled downtown district has sprouted the office towers worthy of a province still booming in the enjoyment of natural resources. Homes are stacked up the slopes that surround its many shores like spectators around a stadium. Vancouver people value their real estate ion the view it will lend them of the spectacle of Vancouver.
Picturesque scenery of the coastline with enticing mysteries of tide and sea mist attract many tourists.
Vancouver is the home of the University of British Columbia, chartered in 1915.
MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES
Are you a museum goer?
Did you visit a school museum?
Would you like to visit a Marine museum?
Canada boasts of many museums an art galleries. Every year millions of visitors come to admire vast collections of artifacts and specimens. Royal Ontario Museum /ROM/ in gives the opportunity to explore, in one place, the history of our world, the collections of life sciences and Canadian portraits. There are educational class-rooms in the Discovery Gallery. Scholars from all over the world come to study its treasures, and students from kindergarten to university take part in its teaching program.
National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa is the home of many splendid collections. Some of them are notable for their breadth and unique quality. Among them are 17 major canvases of James Morris, Canada's most important artist.
Canadian Museum of Civilization in the History Hall traces the discovery and settlement of Canada, under a 17 meter high ceiling. The Grand Hall showcases the rich cultural heritage and monumental art of native cultures. Entry to the museum is free on Thursdays.
Kingston as former capital of Canada with over 300 years of tradition boasts of many museums and places of interest. There are many attractions in Kingston and area. These include:
Fort Henry is the jewel on the crown overlooking the city. Originally occupied by British and Canadian troops, the Fort is now "garrisoned" by Fort Henry Guard, a group of Canadian students specially trained in the infantry drill, artillery exercises and drum music of the British Army in 1867. The Guard puts on daily exhibitions of the drill used at the fort in 1867, whether permitting. Visitors, wearing the museum's Army uniform may join the drill. Fort Henry's museum contains one of the finest collections of 19th century British and Canadian military uniforms, arms, and medals in North America.
The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston where sail and steam began on the Great Lakes is in the historical center of the city. The displays trace the development of shipping on the Lakes. The museum buildings were once part of a shipyard, now a National Historic Site. The 3000 ton museum ship Alexander Henry is open for your inspection from late spring to early fall. The museum; library and Archives contain thousands of books, photographs used by ship enthusiasts and professional historians. The Marine Museum offers always something new for. the return visitor.
Agnes Etherington Art Center exposes Canadian and international collections. It boasts the third largest collection in Ontario. It is known as one of Canada's most attractive art galleries. Seven viewing galleries provide a feast for the eye and mind on every visit.
Bellevue House was home of Canada's first Prime Minister Sir John Macdonald. It is a place of national historic significance. Come to Bellevue House and journey back to 1848 when John Macdonald brought his family to live in this striking Italian villa on the outskirts of the city. The house was built in 1840. Macdonald rented the house in, August 1848, motivated by the chronic ill-health of his wife, Isabella. He, hoped that it would bring improvement. But their stay was brief. In September 1849, financial worries made the couple move again to smaller quarters in downtown Kingston. Bellevue was restored and open to public in 1967 during Canada's centennial. In the visitor center an audio-visual presentation introduces the history of the site. A visitor's brochure will guide you through the house. Bellevue's staff will be happy to respond to your questions. There is no admission charge.
Murney Tower Museum is a fortified tower on the waterfront. The tower stands as one of the finest martello towers in North America. Its three floors house a collection of military and social artifacts of 19th century Kingston.
Miller museum of Geology is displaying the oldest collection in Kingston. It is located at Queen's University. On display there are mineral specimens and dinosaur bones.
School museum brings you to the good old days of three "R's" -Reading, Writing and 'Rith-metics. This popular museum attracts people of all ages
International Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum is a Canadian Institution. It has a fascinating collection of pictures, equipment and mementos which reflects the history of hockey from its organized beginnings in Kingston in 1886 to the present day.
Communications Museum exposes outstanding military collections. It is one of Canada's largest military museums. The history of Canadian military communications is traced from 1903.
MacLachian Woodworking Museum shows wood in service of man. It is housed in a cedar log house. A large collection of woodworking tools is highlighted in exhibits and programs of farming life in pioneer Ontario.
Royal Military College Museum has rare collections in a magnificent setting. Housed in the Fort Frederic Tower, this museum records the story of Canada's military education, the exploits of its graduates. There is also the internationally renowned Douglas Arm Collection.
Kingston harbor is a convenient place to start your boat tour of the 1000 islands.
CANADIAN WAYS
Can you pronounce vase in Canadian?
What is igloo?
Do Canadians like dancing?
CANADIAN ENGLISH
Canada shares with the U.S a large vocabulary. But prestige of British English has exerted strong influence on Canadian speech and habits. In the speech of Canadians there is British colouring. Canadian speech patterns are neither British nor American. They have many Canadianisms. Prominent among Canadians are proper nouns - names of regions: French Shore, Lakehead; names given to the natives: Bluenoses, Hogtowners.
Many Canadianisms are loan - words from French, Eskimo and Indian. Many Canadianisms are characteristic of certain regions: the Maritimes, Ontario, the Prairie Provinces, British Columbia and the Northland. Hundred of Canadian words fall into the category of animal and plant names: Canada goose, snow apple. For many terms there are special Canadian significations: warden, separate school.
In pronunciation Canadians are neither American nor British, though they have much in common with both. Textile they pronounce ['tekstail] as the British do, but missile - [misl] - as Americans do. Canadians pronounce some words in a way that is typically Canadian: khaki -[karki], vase -[vez].
In spelling Canadian usage is influenced by the practice of both Americans and British. In recent years, American spellings are becoming more common used in Canada. Many have been adopted by Canadian newspapers and publishers. Young people use such spelling as honor, center, and program more freely than was the case. Some American forms are accepted as proper in many Canadian schools. Canadians respond to these variants with equal ease.
PLEASURES AND PASTIMES
The native people Inuits /Eskimos/ survived incredibly cold winter in the igloos -dwellings in the shape of dome built of blocks of snow. They hunted for food with simple sticks and traveled on toboggans. Now most of them live in normal houses and travel on snowmobiles.
The Hurons, like many native people of other tribes, were addicted to gambling. Some of them would often lose all the furs they had collected that season or all their wampum /string of beads/. The dish game and aescara were played in longhouses but, lacrosse, of course, took play outside. The games could go on for several days, with plenty of hospitality. These festivities were enjoyed greatly. The Hurons used all the magic they knew of to help them win games. Everyone within range was welcomed. Guests were fed copiously and the host ran back and forth to see that no one was neglected. Dancing was an important part of these feasts. Two old men would be in the center of a circle of dancers and the old men would shake rattles and sing.
Singing was very popular. Voices were raised in song at home as well as at church and singing schools. They could be found in. many places in the wintertime.
There were 'house- warmings'. One of these was known as a "sparking bee". At these parties young men and misses could cozy up to each other.
Picnics often were planned at the time of horse races. Picnics sometimes were potluck events but, later on, some of them became very sumptuous. Family picnics were always looked forward to between periods of hard work in the summertime.
Agricultural fail fairs got underway. At a local church ladies had a table which displayed "pretty toys". A charity bazaar raised money to clothe the poor.
Canadians had a passion for dancing /"togetherness"/. It was an antidote to the isolation of the bush. The entire family showed up at dances. Small dances were named 'sprees'. Then they became known as 'hops'. Many had callers. Canadians danced Soldier's Joy, Pop Goes, and Sir Rodger. Graciousness was the order of the day. The master of the house should see that all the ladies dance. In the wintertime, girls played a game called "What will my husband be like", by pouring liquid wax over a key and dropping it into cold water.
EDUCATION
What are languages of school instruction in Canada?
Are schools free in Canada?
Would you like to study in Canada? Why or why not?
Canadian government directs the education of children on Indian reserves, Imiit children /37,000/, the children of members of Armed forces, and inmates of federal penitentiaries.
Provincial governments, also control education! Most children attend public schools which are coeducational and free.
Canada has two official languages. So some children go to French speaking schools and some go to English speaking ones but most schools are mixed. There are also special schools for the Inuit children.
The school systems of most of the provinces have 12 grades, in Quebec -11 grades and Ontario has 13 grades. The normal size of each class is 17.There are separate schools for Roman Catholics and Protestants. Most of Catholic schools teach in French. Protestant schools use English. All immigrant children in Quebec are educated in French.
Newfoundland has 4 types of Schools: Pentecostals, Roman.Catholic, Seven Day Adventist and Protestant.
The school's program is based on compulsory and elective credit system- A subject credit is granted in recognition of the successful completion of a course. School courses include arts, business studies, computer studies, English, French, geography, history, mathematics, physical and health education, science and technological studies.
Courses are offered at one or more levels of difficulty; basic, general advanced. Especial education program is provided for exceptional pupils, depending upon the student's needs.
The evaluation policy at school emphasizes day to day achievement, regular class attendance and class participation. There exists the program of Scholarship awards /Value $100/ to students who have obtained the best grades.
Available to all students are organized programs counseling, parent consultation and cooperative education programs.
Students in Canada are expected to try to do their best in all the subjects they study. They are also expected to abide by certain rules of appropriate behavior: regular attendance, punctuality, work habits, respect for self and others, respect for authority and property.
There is a variety of extracurricular and other student activities. A wide variety of sports are offered: slow pitch, floor hockey, curling, golf, indoor soccer, bowling, volleyball, ice hockey, broomball and badminton.
After graduating from the school the students get a Secondary School Diploma. The School Diploma is granted by the Ministry of Education on the recommendation of the principal of the secondary school last attended, to a student who has commenced a secondary school program and earned a certain amount of credits.
After graduating from high school Canadian youths may enter colleges and universities. There are 68 universities in Canada. The most famous and popular among the Canadian and foreign students are the Queen's University in Kingston, the University of Toronto, MacGill University and Trent University.
The Canadian Federation of Students /CFS/ is a national student organization which brings together 400,000 students at over 55 universities, colleges and technical institutes across the country to fight for universally accessible, high quality post-secondary education in Canada.
SPORT
What is Canada's national sport?
Who are national hockey heroes in Canada?
What is the NHL?
Canada's first national sport was lacrosse, which the Indians played before the arrival of the Europeans in North America. Lacross is a field game played between two teams of 10-12 players, each having a curved stick /crosse/ fitted with a shallow string net, used to throw, catch and carry the small, hard, rubber ball. Dr. George Beers is the father of lacrosse in Canada. The National Lacrosse Association of Canada was formed in Kingston in 1867. The game was declared Canada's national sport.
As settlement expanded westward so too did sport. Horseracing was very popular. In 1789 the Quebec Turf Club was organized. Sport grew hand in hand with settlements. Major influence in such growth has to be attributed to British Army garrisons populated with officers whose sporting traditions were deeply entrenched in the English Public School system. It is not Surprising then that cricket ranked among the most popular sports.
Scottish officers are credited with bringing golf and croquet to Canada. The Canadian Golf Association was founded in Ottawa in 1894.
. The Toronto Athletic Games of 1839 launched the organized track and field. They included running, jumping, shot putting and hammer throwing. In addition, "quoiting " - a sport much like horseshoe pitching /tossing a ring on a peg/ - was a popular event on the program.
Scottish influence led to the introduction of the "roaring game" and the first curling club. Ice hockey evolved from the ancient games of bandy, shinny and hurley. Historians are at odds, as to just where hockey originated in Canada. Some place it in Montreal in 1837, while others - in Kingston in 1855.
Rowing became popular competitive past time. The initial regatta was held on July 5, 1837. The Rowing Club was formed in 1839. Sailing began in Kingston in 1826 with formation of the Boat Race Club. In 1860, during the visit by the Prince of Wales, a special canoeing regatta was held in Ottawa.
Baseball is claimed to be invented in Cooperstown, N.Y. in 1839, but Canadians in Beachville, Ontario, played the game in June 1838. Whatever its origin, baseball enjoyed popularity among rural and town folks. While cricket was a game for the elite, baseball was the game of the people, and was played by men, women and children.
Football, in varying forms, became another sport in which townsfolk could engage. It provided a physical contact, the individual strength and the minimal cost, factor. A kind of rugby was played in Toronto in 1859. Soccer was the most popular football form.
Figure skating, or fancy skating as it was then called, was publicized thanks to demonstration tours of U.S. champion Jackson Haines in 1864. Haines, a ballet master revolutionized skating, moving it to a high artistic plateau.
Speedskating involved skaters of all ages and included a variety of novelty races. Billiards became popular in Canada in the 19 century. The first billiards tournament was held in 1864. Cyrille Dion claimed the national crown, his brother being a challenge player ever.
Basketball was invented in 1891 by Canadian-born PE instructor Dr James Naithmith.
Passive participation was the operative phrase for women. Montreal pioneered active participation in sport by women with formation of the Montreal Ladies Archery Club in 1858.
Today, hockey is the most popular sport in Canada. Young Canadian players can begin to compete in amateur hockey league when they are 7. Toronto is the home of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Professional teams from Canada and USA compete in the National Hockey League /NHL/, the highest professional hockey league. Most players in the NHL are Canadians. Such stars as Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Guy Lafleur, and Bobby Orr have become national heroes in Canada. Wayne Gretzky won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympic Games.
Other popular professional sports include football, baseball, and soccer. The Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays attract baseball fans from throughout Canada.
CANADIAN CULTURE
What is the central theme of Canadian writers?
Who was first English Canadian poet?
What is the Group of Seven?
LITERATURE
Canada has two great literatures, one written in French and the other written in English. One of the central themes of Canadian writers is the " idea of North ". The literature helps link the vast nation.
Canadians have conflicting feelings about the U.S. - a country with which they have much in common, but against which they defense themselves. This duality is a constant theme and Challenge for Canadian writers.
Early Canadian literature expressed an optimistic pioneering attitude toward the hew country. France Brooke wrote the first Canadian novel "The History of Emil Montague" in 1769.
The first English Canadian to be considered a national poet was Charles Sangster. His poem "The St. Lawrence'71856/ celebrates the beauty of the Canadian landscape.
Pauline Johnson was known for her poetry about Indian life. Her father was a Mohawk Indian chief and hr mother was English Isabelle Crawford. '
Margaret Attwood' s novel Cat's Eye /1988/ earned her many awards and international reputation.
Michael Tremblay is the leading Quebecois playwright. Among the best known current Canadian playwrights are D. French and S. Pollock.
THEATRE
Canada's best-known theatrical event is the Stratford festival, held annually in Stratford, Ontario from May to November. Famous performers appear in the plays of William Shakespeare and other noted dramatists.
Another drama festival is the Shaw Festival in Ontario. The leading theatrical group in French-speaking Canada is Le Theatre du Nouveau Monde in Montreal. The National Ballet has featured many international stars as well as such outstanding Canadian dancers as Frank Augustyn, Karen Kain, and Veronica Tennant. The Canadian Opera Company in Toronto performs six operas during the season from September to May.
PAINTING
Early Canadian painters followed European trends. Paul Kane painted pictures of Indian life in Western Canada. A group of landscape painters called the Group of Seven developed the Canadian style of painting. Tom Thomson /1877-1917/ was of the best-known Canadian painters. His West Wind and the Jack Pine became two of the best-known works of Canadian art.
The works of the Group of Seven are exposed in the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Robert and Signe McMichael gave their art collection to the Province of Ontario in 1965. McMichael Canadian Art Collection has the special combination of Canadian architecture, Canadian landscape, and Canadian art that makes it a unique national treasure.
. Emily Carr became famous for her painting of the totem poles of British Columbia. The best collection of Canadian Indian Art is in the Raven's Work Gallery. It contains masks, carvings, and paintings. The finest work of Canadian sculpture includes woodcarving of Indian artists. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection includes Inuit sculpture and drawing.
MUSIC
Canada's outstanding orchestras are the Montreal Symphony orchestra, he National Arts Center Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Solo performers who have gained fame include the pianist Glenn Gould and the singers Maureen Forrester, Lois Marshall and Jon Vickers.
Canadian stars in popular music include the singers Bryan Adams and Anne Murray. Robert Charleboi and Celine Dion became famous singers in French- speaking Canada.
Celine Dion was born on March 30th; 1968, in the little town of Charlemagne, Quebec. She was the youngest of a 14 children family. Her first name comes from a song Celine that her mother was singing while she was pregnant.
She grew up surrounded by music in a piano-bar restaurant owned by her parents. The family held regular jam sessions, with father playing the accordion and mother playing violin. Everyone in this family is a musician.
She first stood on a table to sing a song at the age of 5. At twelve she decided to become a singer. Her mother wrote a song for her; it was recorded on a demo tape and sent to a manager Rene Angelil in Montreal. He cried listening to her voice, and agreed to work with her.
When her The Colour of My Love album was released in November 1994, Celine told the whole world who the man in her life was: "Rene, you are the colour of my love.
In December 1994, she married Rene Angelil, 52, her manager, who is 26 her senior. It was the biggest event of the year in Canada.
Canadian singer Alanis Morissette is a world-wide success. Jagged Little Pill has sold 28 million copies, making it the biggest selling debut album ever. Her latest album, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, is her most recent success. She won an award for the best album at the American Music Awards.
Alanis began her show business career at the age of 6 when she took up the piano. She began writing her own songs at the age of 9. By her early teens she had recorded her first single. She also starred in a TV show. It was hard for her to be two people- a pop star and a normal teenager. Her school used to play a recording of her singing the Canadian national anthem every day, which led to her being picked on by jealous people.
When Alanis was discovered by Madonna, the last said: "She reminds me of me when I started out". Like Madonna, Alanis's songs are about her life. Music was a chance for Alanis to escape. She thinks that if she hadn't been a musician she would have been a psychologist to help others. She likes her music to make her fans think. She is happy when, they watch the show and go, "Wow, cool!" and then go home and kiss their dog.
Alanis has lots of plants and flowers in her dressing room. She also meditates and does yoga. When she asks man out, she suggests they go to a yoga class on a first date!
Alanis doesn't like awards. The whole concept of music being judged is strange to her. She thinks fame "can make you mad". These days she seems happy to live her life writing songs.
