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 Pictured here are some members of the editorial board of Samuel Hearne secondary school's student newspaper, the SHSS Times. Back row, from left, are Geo Pascal, Shelby Steen, Rachel Pascal, Tanya Snowshoe, Branigan Baskin, Alicia Jacobs and Joey Medernach. In front are editor-in-chief Mathew Dyck, Brandi Walker and publisher Donna-Lynn Baskin. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo |
Called the SHSS Times, publisher and teacher Donna-Lynn Baskin says it's the "first student-run paper in a while," to hit the hallways of the school.
"Right now we're cutting our teeth, so to speak," added Baskin. "And people are getting a lot more comfortable with it."
The Times editorial board, made up of more than a dozen students, met Monday at lunch hour to discuss which stories will be covered in their second edition.
Student council, varsity sports and cadets rounded out the news items before the discussion turned to soliciting student opinion, similar to the Drum's streetbeat.
"I don't agree with the bicycle helmet bylaw," offered one staffer, suggesting a topic to get debate going amongst SHSS students.
This was after Baskin advised the paper's staff that polling students on the "meanest teacher" was not such a great idea.
While it took four weeks of work to put together the first issue of the SHSS Times, Baskin and her crew hope to get another issue out before Christmas and then publish bi-weekly in the new year.
Baskin said the core of her group expressed interest in putting together the school yearbook. However, as that project would not commence until later in the new year, she decided to start a newspaper club to channel the students' enthusiasm.
But for Grade 9 student and editor-in-chief Mathew Dyck, becoming involved in the paper was more about a twist of fate.
"The day I joined, I got locked out of my house for lunch and ended up here," he explained.
"Then I was voted in and I think I've done a good job so far."
As part of Dyck's responsibilities, he is in charge of making sure writers meet deadlines, checking the copy for errors and contributing reports.
As for the importance of a student paper and the perks of helping make it a reality, Dyck had this to say: "I think the students at school should know what's happening and it's something fun to be involved in. And the paper finds its way into the board office so we have a voice there, too."
Contributor Shelby Steen says she got involved to "have something to do."
"And to know more about my school and let others know what's happening."
