Miles Macdonell Collegiate

A Miles Mac Football Helmet

Miles Macdonell Collegiate is a high school in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the River East Transcona School Division. It is one of the six schools in Manitoba that participate in the International Baccalaureate Program. The school offers classes in French Immersion geared towards university attendance in either official language. Miles Macdonell also offers several vocational tracks of study, including Cosmetology (hairstyling and nail care), and Health and Child Care (which leads to Health Care Aide certification on graduation). Students may also complete a dual diploma, earning both an academic high school diploma and technical/vocational certification.

The school is named after Miles Macdonell who led the Red River Settlers in 1812 and reported directly to Lord Selkirk, founder of the settlement.

Music Program

The school has one of the best music programs in the city, as well as one of the best junior recording studios in all of Canada. Several albums have been produced in the school, mainly consisting of the school's choir program and their highly prestigious vocal group called "Prodigy", consisting of a small number of very talented singers. Prodigy has performed in various countries, including Scotland, Austria, Mexico, and the United States. When Queen Elizabeth II came to Winnipeg in 2003, Prodigy was asked to perform for her, as well as performing at the International Peace Gardens for the 5th anniversary of 9/11.

Festival Théâtre Jeunesse

On May 8, 2008, a group of students from the French Immersion program participated in the annual Festival Théâtre Jeunesse at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre). The group performed a piece titled "Le long voyage " (The Long Voyage), which won the top prize in the General Production category.

The Tunnel

Miles MacDonell was originally two separate schools and therefore occupies two main buildings. The north wing was originally Melrose Junior High which existed from 1954 to 1962. These buildings are linked by a hallway which, although it is above ground, is referred to as "The Tunnel" built in 1970 replacing a smaller 10 foot wide tunnel built in 1964. The Tunnel not only connects the two buildings, but is also home to the library, the arts room and the theatre. The original part of school the present science wing was built in 1952, followed by a 1955 addition, the south wing second floor, a 1960 addition which added a gym and the school east of the tunnel. The former Melrose Junior High building became part of the school in 1962 and the current theatre, library and tunnel were added in 1970. In the 2010-2011 school year, two elevators were added to allow wheelchair access to the north and south wings.

Alumni Association

The Miles MacDonell Collegiate Alumni Association was formed in 2002 after the 50th Anniversary Reunion and has contributed more than $45,500 towards the school including $34,500 in scholarships since 2002. The Alumni Association has been led since 2002 by Ron Storozuk (Class of 1957). A 60th Anniversary Reunion Committee chaired by Jim Smith (Class of 1978) planned the 60th Anniversary Reunion which took place on June 22-June 23, 2012

Buckeyes Hockey Program

Miles Macdonell has a boys and girls hockey program competing in the WHSHL (boys) and WWHSHL (girls). The boys currently compete in the Winnipeg Free Press (B) Division. The team last won the division championship in 2008/2009 season under the guidance of WHSHL Coach of the Year Mr. Brad Stelmach. Former player and captain (2001-2002) Mr. Gordon Fritzsche joined the coaching staff in 2010 as assistant coach. Many players have graduated from the program to compete at the MJHL and MMJHL levels.

In 2001-2002 Jay Semkiw finished a distant 5th in points after a very disappointing and unproductive regular season. Although, he did claim to have a 95% faceoff draw percentage.

References

• "When The Work's All Done This Fall", McIntosh, 1989, p. 217

External links

• Miles Macdonell Website
• River East Transcona School Division
• Manitoba Education
• Miles MacDonell Collegiate Alumni Association
• Miles Mac Buckeyes Girls Hockey Team