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October 2025 THE MENTOR MOON

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Halloween; University Fair; Media Field Trips School News New Clubs; Outreach Thanksgiving; CKF; Debate Club; Fishing Trip Club

Golf; Pep Rally; Rugby Sports

Ms. Smith Teacher

Roderick Liao Alumni

The True Meaning of Thanksgiving Opinion

Diwali; Thanksgiving Local News

Trending Fashion; Gratitude Student Talk

Credits Meet Our Team

SCHOOL NEWS

A “BOO!”TIFUL HALLOWEEN

Halloween at School

Spooky season arrived with a scream! With the buyout, costumes, and the overall spirit of the students this year, this Halloween was one of the best yet. Halloween had hung in the air all week long, with buyout tickets on sale all month and Halloween classics playing in the hallways. Although the weather had everyone disappointed, many students still attended Halloween parties, went trick-or-treating, or watched the Blue Jays game. The buyout served as a great way for students to dress up in creative costumes and meet up with friends (or skip class)! The Conjuring was originally supposed to be played, but unfortunately, the movie website was down. So instead, everyone watched Ghostbusters, which is a timeless 80’s classic! Although dressing up in costumes was not extremely popular amongst students, there were still some unique and creative examples; baseball players, inflatables, pop culture icons, and pirates wandered the halls. It was fantastic to see all the amazing costumes this year! Of course, nobody can forget the monumental MLB World Series this month. The Blue Jays had finally made it to the finals...after 33 years! Despite it being Halloween, city pride was evident during the game. After seven thrilling and suspenseful games, the Blue Jays unfortunately lost. The efforts of the team were amazing, and the entire nation is proud of the team for representing the country beautifully. Overall, Halloween was memorable this year! Happy Halloween, Mentor!

Written by: Ayana Cheema Edited by: Greta Qu Photography by: Harry Huang

STARTING OFF STRONG Media Students Embark on Photography Field Trip in October Written by: Ananya Jain Edited by: Greta Qu Photography by: Harry Huang

On September 30th and October 2nd, Grade 11 Media students were in luck as they kicked off the month of October with a field trip to the Toronto Metropolitan University Centre Gallery, the first of many exciting school outings. Students had a great time exploring the massive university gallery and then touring the premiere showing of Magnum’s First. This exhibition featured pieces from Magnum Photos’ first group exhibition: Face of Time. It featured 83 original prints from the 1955 exhibition, a powerful reflection of post-war life and human resilience, with contributions from numerous celebrated documentary photographers, including Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Inge Morath, and Ernst Haas. After sampling the sights of this unique photographic experience, students had the chance to put their media skills to the test, photographing the daily hustle and bustle of shoppers at the Eaton Centre. These pictures were added to the students’ ongoing class project, a documentary titled “Street Photography,” which they presented later that week. According to feedback from students and teachers alike, the trip was both educational and fun. “It was a great chance for us to spend time with our peers, learn more about media, and get to experience photography in a real-life setting,” says Kim Manders, a Grade 11 student who went on the trip. “It was pretty fun,” agreed her friend Skylar, also in Grade 11. There you have it! Students spent the day engaging in hands-on learning experiences they are sure to remember all whole year long. The next media field trip cannot come soon enough!

SCHOOL NEWS

THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE A common worry among students is the fear of the unknown – and the unknown of university was especially nerve-racking this October, as many seniors began their last year, as high school seniors at Mentor College. Mentor’s University Fairs

However, university planning was made incredibly easier thanks to not one, but two separate university fairs that Mentor hosted this fall. These events were specifically designed to offer students a fun, personal, and convenient way to gain more information on post-secondary pathways, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of potential university courses, application processes, possible majors, and more! The American University Mini-Fair: October 2nd of the 2025-2026 school year marked the short but very informative US University Mini Fair in the north-south gym, where, between the hours of 3 to 4 pm, students had the unique opportunity to drop in any time they wanted, and chat with representatives from a variety of well- known universities, including Western Kentucky, the University of South Carolina, Tennessee Tech University, and Manhattan University, among others. The gym was filled with small booths decked out in the colours of various universities, and adorably, the stuffed animal versions of their respective mascots! The booths were manned by enthusiastic and knowledgeable college representatives, willing to answer all questions posed by curious students, and providing colourful, eye-catching brochures and little ‘freebies’, bearing different university logos.

SCHOOL NEWS

“It was really informative,” says Grade 10 student Anika Menon. “I got to learn a lot about US universities and the different scholarships they offer.” She was particularly interested in the scholarships universities gave out for community service hours and SAT scores – two options she had previously been unaware of – and enjoyed the colorful stickers different booths handed out.

The Canadian Fair: For students who wanted to explore options closer to home, or who missed the first fair, the second university fair on Tuesday, October 14th featured 27 different representatives from universities located both in and out of Ontario. The excitement was palpable in the air as the Canadian University Fair began at 6:00 pm that evening, with students eagerly exploring the gym and the many different Canadian university pavilions it showcased. Representatives from schools across Canada were available to answer questions about their universities and students learned important information about pursuing higher education. Students in grades 11 and 12 were even given the special option of attending one-on-one breakout sessions with university representatives to discuss any specific questions they might have had; this helped encourage eagerness to plan for post-secondary school, which is a task many of them may have been apprehensive about before. Overall, the university fairs this October were a tremendous success and provided Mentor College High School students with a chance to plan for and consider their future educational pursuits.

Written by : Ananya Jain Edited by: Greta Qu Photography by: Kenneth He

NEW CLUBS LAUNCHED AT MENTOR

This fall, students had more than just homework and new classes to look forward to. Three new clubs officially launched: The Fibre Arts, Improv, and Geo Club. All 3 give students new ways to connect, learn, and try something different. Fiber Arts Club In Room 213, students spent time working on embroidery, knitting, and crochet projects as part of the new Fibre Arts Club. Ms. Alazawi, who oversees the club with Ms. Lotun, explained that it’s meant to be flexible and low-pressure. “Students can work on whatever they want, come two weeks in a row, skip a week, and come back,” she said. “It’s about learning a skill and having fun.” Grade 11 student Sidney Khuong said she joined to develop her creative skills. “I want to make new projects and learn skills so I can customize my own clothing,” she said, showing an embroidery project she had been working on. Another member, Rachel Meagher, added, “I like that it’s relaxing. I started an embroidery project and I’m looking forward to finishing it. I’ve done crochet before too.”

Ms. Alazawi mentioned that once students have learned the basics, the club may move on to projects that give back to the community. “For example, students might make scarves or hats and donate them for the holidays,” she said. Improv Club The Improv Club took a different approach this year, focusing on non-competitive activities. Teacher supervisor Mr. Block said the club will emphasize teamwork and creativity. “Improv is mostly about listening and reacting to your partner,” he explained. “We’ll be working on creating scenes together and having fun.” Grade 9 student Wesey Domnori joined just to try something new. “Improv is like, they give you a topic and you act it out with no script. I’m excited to see what practices are like,” she said. Grade 12 student Austin Sharpe added, “I do acting, and improv is fun. I’m excited for tryouts and to see how it works.” The club plans to do small performances throughout the year, including performances at Notes at Noon. Geo Club The newly formed Geo Club - started by grade 11 student Harry Huang - is designed for students who enjoy maps, history, and geography problems. Members try to identify locations using clues and photos, similar to the game, GeoGuessr. Grade 11 student Liam described the club as “a lot of fun and the best club in the school.” While it’s not competitive, it’s building a group of students who like to test their knowledge and learn about the world. With the start of these new clubs, students have fresh ways to explore interests and meet others. Ms. Alazawi summed it up: “You don’t have to be an expert to join. Just come, try something, and have fun.” As the year continues, these clubs are expected to grow and offer more opportunities for students to get involved.

Written by: Eni Aliko Edited by: Terrence Chen Photography by: Harry Huang

Cancer Kids First was recently brought to Mentor College by Annika Razdan, with the support of teacher supervisors Ms. Walmark and Mr. Borkhoff! To establish the chapter, Annika applied through the global CKF organization and was selected from over five hundred submissions! After passing the application and interview stages, she was approved to start CKF at Mentor. With Ms. Walmark’s assistance in promotion, the news spread quickly through the school and 75 students applied to be members of the club. On October 24 , CKF hosted its first major event of the year: the Halloween bake sale! Annika shares that preparation for this event began in late September, involving extensive coordination with members, executives, and school staff to arrange for Halloween-themed food and décor. The items featured included white chocolate brownies, chocolate-dipped rice Krispies, matcha lattes, and hot chocolate with marshmallows. There was also a fun photo booth! th The bake sale raised a grand total of $1,133.15, making it one of the most successful fundraisers in Mentor history. The funds went towards obtaining a specialized IV machine for cancer patients, allowing for easy and safe detection of veins. In the future, CKF aspires to host more fundraisers, create care packages and cards for patients, and collaborate with other clubs at Mentor. The overall mission of CKF is to make a change in the community by uniting the school and spreading awareness about pediatric cancer. Annika encourages students to get involved and help in making a meaningful difference!

CLUB

Written by : Kaya Gulati Edited by: Surkhab Mohi Photography by: Kenneth He

UNITED FOR A CURE Cancer Kids First Comes to Mentor

On October 9 , members from the Outreach Club came together to host their annual Thanksgiving dinner at The CompassFood Bank, and it was a truly special night. This highly anticipated event brought together students, staff, and community members for a night that was centered around kindness and gratitude. Before dinner, student volunteers were busy setting tables, organizing food, decorating the venue, and ensuring that everything was ready for the guests. Students diligently worked together to host a traditional Thanksgiving meal for the community by plating a large feast, preparing delicious fall desserts, and serving drinks. By the end of the evening, over 250 guests enjoyed a comforting meal that was prepared with love and compassion. th Although the meal itself was the main part of the evening, the connection made between student volunteers and guests was the real focus of the event. Filled with laughter, conversation, and warmth, the room reflected the true spirit of Thanksgiving. MORE THAN A MEAL

Bronwyn Shaikh, a Grade- 12 Outreach member, said the event was, “a really wholesome experience because you get to hear the stories of people who are coming to the center for help and some warm food”. These conversations

Outreach Volunteers Turn Thanksgiving into a Celebration of Compassion and Community Spirit.

Written by: Rasna Singh Edited by: Surkhab Mohi Art by: Scarlett Finch

between guests and volunteers reminded

everyone about the true purpose of Thanksgiving: caring and showing gratitude towards others. This year’s Thanksgiving Dinner was a remarkable success, thanks to the Outreach Club’s dedication

and compassion. Their efforts went beyond just serving a meal, as they brought the community together, creating unforgettable memories that made the night truly special.

CLUB

DEBATE

TEAM

COMPETES

PROVINCIAL BP CHAMPIONSHIPS

Over the weekend of October 25th, the Mentor College Debate Team took part in the British Parliamentary Provincial Debate Championships. The tournament brought together debaters from across the province for four rounds of fast-paced impromptu debating. The team represented the school well throughout the competition. A special congratulations go to the junior pairing of Jessie Li and John Bachir, who placed sixth overall. Their strong performance earned them the honour of being named alternates for the BP National Championships in Saskatoon later this year. British Parliamentary debate is different from the Canadian Parliamentary style many students are familiar with, which presents a new challenge for both experienced and first- time competitors. As debate team member, Emma Szasz Gabor, said: “I’ve done Canadian Parliamentary style before, but I liked British Parliamentary style more. It’s more of a fun type of thing. People were very well practiced and quick on their feet.” The format requires two teams on each side of the topic and places a strong emphasis on building on partners’ ideas while still introducing new arguments under tight time limits. Congratulations to all the debaters for their hard work, preparation, and impressive performances at provincials! The team looks forward to continuing to grow and face new challenges throughout the rest of the year.

Written by: Eni Aliko Photography by: Mr. Parmentier

CLUB

HOOKED ON FUN

Mentor’s newest extracurricular, the Fishing Club, was founded by grade twelve student, Nicolai Grekov. Nicolai’s idea was inspired by NFL quarterback Justin Herbert, who started his own fishing club in high school. He approached Mr. Lee and Mr. Sweeney, who were impressed with his initiative and were eager to help. Nicolai then proposed his plan to Mr. Hall, who was ready to give his support! Soon afterwards, the Fishing Club was up and running, quickly gaining immense interest. Meetings take place every Wednesday, where members of all levels of experience discuss unique fishing stories, personal techniques, and how to make fishing experiences as memorable as possible. Nicolai and the teacher supervisors also taught members about the basics of fishing, different types of bait, tying lines, and where to find certain types of fish. On October 24 after school, the Fishing Club went on its very first excursion to the Credit River, which was an enjoyable time for everyone! The club aims to go on more trips throughout the school year, the most exciting one being the OEC! “I’ve had so much fun planning everything and leading it all with Mr. Lee and Mr. Sweeney,” Nicolai says, and hopes that the club will continue to run even after his graduation, eventually expanding into a fishing community at Mentor College. th

Mentor’s New Fishing Club Written by: Kaya Gulati Edited by: Surkhab Mohi P hotography by: Mr. Lee

CLUB

AMAZING PERFORMANCE ON THE GREENS!

SPORTS

This season was a great success for Mentor's golf team! In the past few years, the golf team has had incredible achievements at ROPSAA, and this year was no different. The boys brought their A-game to the course and swung their way to an impressive 6 place at the ROPSAA tournament. The girls' team was able to secure spots at the OFSAA Championship. Jessica Cheng and Grace Sun took 1 and 3 place respectively. th st rd The two-day provincial event was held at Lionhead Golf and Country Club, from October 16 to 17 , where both competition and the course were extremely challenging. Although Jessica was unable to participate due to an unexpected conflict, Grace proudly represented Mentor and gave an impressive performance in her first provincial tournament. After reflection, she said: “Golf is a mental game, one bad shot doesn’t mean anything. It’s about being able to look past it and improve on your next shot.” th th Coaches Porlier and Borkhoff could not be prouder of the golfers for their dedication, teamwork, and positive attitude throughout this golf season. Congratulations, golfers!

The Mentor Golf Team Plays at the 2025 ROPSAA and OFSAA Golf Tournaments

Written by : Emaan Poonawala Edited by: Vivian Lenton Photography by: Moses Lee

Let’s go Marauders! As clubs, sports, and school events were firing up for this school year, the exciting news that the first Fall Rugby Pep Rally, hosted by the Athletic Association, was announced. “This was a new idea that came from our Athletic Association executives, and I was more than happy to support it” said Ms. Haney, Athletic Director of Mentor College. In past years, the Athletic Association pep rally has taken place in the spring, with students having the opportunity to watch and cheer on the Varsity Girls’ soccer teams. This year, the Athletic Association’s goal was to raise awareness and coverage for other exciting sports. On October 16, the pep rally took place. Mentor students came to support the Junior and Senior Boys’ Rugby teams, as they faced off against different schools. Both Marauder teams played exceptionally well, and everyone at the sidelines was entertained by the excitement of the sport. To express their support, Mentor students wore tattoos and face paint with creative green and blue designs. However, watching the game was not the only highlight. All individuals who purchased a ticket were automatically entered into a raffle to win exclusive Athletic Association merchandise.

SPORTS

Written by: Kate Sproull Edited by: Vivian Lenton Photography by: Moses Lee

After the event, Ms. Haney expressed how happy she was with the turnout of the event. The Athletic Association “which is a student-centric organization” will now collaborate “to allow members to give their opinions and feedback as to how the event went,” said Ms. Haney. The Athletic Association is planning more events and is excited to announce more pep rallies are to come, with a “possible pep rally to take place in the winter”! So, Marauders, let’s get excited for the next opportunity to cheer on these amazing sports teams. Which sports teams will Mentor be watching next? Stay tuned! MARAUDER SUPPORT SHINES Athletic Association’s New 2025 Fall Rugby Pep Rally

SPORTS

READY, READY, UP!

Written by: Dianna Sydorko Art by: Scarlett Finch

The senior boys’ rugby team closed out an unforgettable season this year, showing grit and pure talent. The boys entered ROPSSAA with confidence after winning the majority of their games during the regular season, and they ended the tournament with an impressive third- place victory. Their journey was defined not only by skill, but also by the guidance of Captain Yuvraj Padam. His leadership and perseverance set the tone for every match. In addition, the team’s offence thrived because of Nicolai Grekov's quick speed, sharp footwork, and persistent drive. Meanwhile, the boys never stopped hyping up Yousef Hawass, whose kicks always seemed to land at exactly the right moment each time. As the season wraps up, the coaches send a huge and heartfelt thank-you to the seniors: Nicolai Grekov, Yousef Hawass, Yuvraj Padam, Aikam Kainth, Hasan Qureshi, Ishan Jaggi, Nathan Cho, Ben Lapos, Mihir Saini, Muhammed Qummar, and Jatin Tamber who have spent years pouring their energy, effort, and passion into every practice and game. Your presence on and off the field will be missed more than you know, but the legacy you’re leaving behind will keep inspiring the boys who follow in your footsteps. The junior boys’ rugby team had an incredible season, powering their way to 1st place at ROPSSAA! Their success was driven by the sharp plays of Liam Randall and Quin Duffy, whose teamwork kept the energy rolling all season long. Kai Pullen’s determination pushed the team forward in every tough moment, showing the grit that defined this group. A huge thank-you goes to Coaches Sweeney, Milkovich, and Assistant Coach Rian Pullen for guiding both junior and senior boys' teams. Amazing season boys! The varsity girls’ rugby team wrapped up an unforgettable season, driven by incredible leadership from Rian Pullen, Sydney King, and Dianna Sydorko. These three set the tone from day one by leading warm-ups, helping during practices, and pushing their teammates to give their absolute best. Beyond the field, they Senior Boys’, Junior Boys’, Varsity Girls’ Rugby Teams Updates

created memories, laughter, and moments of connection that shaped the team into something truly special. Guided by Captain Rian Pullen, the team learned to trust themselves and each other, overcoming challenges and defeating some of their toughest opponents. Their determination paid off as they fought their way into ROPSSAA, with a 4th place finish. While the scoreboard didn’t place them on top, the team’s chemistry, resilience, and friendship were what really carried them forward making this one of the strongest seasons in varsity girls’ rugby history. The electric speed of Robyn Currie, paired with the mighty offensive plays in scrums and lineouts by Chloe Crewe, brought the team to life on every field they stepped onto. The younger athletes showed incredible improvement this year, impressing their coaches and giving everyone high hopes for the seasons ahead. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the seniors: Rian Pullen, Dianna Sydorko, Sydney King, and Bella Parmentier. As well, thanks to Coaches Haney and Cohoon for guiding the team until the very end.

Over the years, Miss Smith has been an incredibly important part of Mentor’s community as a teacher and coworker. Whether one knows her as a music, math, or business teacher, everyone recognizes how dedicated she is to helping the students in her classroom. With the different techniques she uses for each class, such as a one-on-one approach for music, or discussion-based lessons and lectures for business, her top priority is to ensure every subject is approachable. This is because she believes being able to ask questions when facing difficulties is a fundamental part of being able to succeed. One might ask: “How did one teacher end up teaching so many different subjects?” Well, each subject has its own story. For example, Miss Smith ended up teaching music due to her background in the arts from grad school, onwards. When asked what the most difficult part of juggling so many different courses is, Miss Smith responded, “It could be overwhelming, coming up with lesson plans, especially in the first year.” She explained this was due to the differences between content, though it became easier as she gained more experience. JUGGLING CLASSES (NOT BEAN BAGS)

TEACHER

While she has enjoyed every subject she has taught over the years, Miss Smith admitted that her favourite is music, as it “is [her] passion.” Miss Smith also said despite loving her job, she originally aspired to become a lawyer, a pursuit her parents supported. After working towards a law degree for two years, she realized that although she enjoyed learning about law and was interested in the concepts, she “hated it as a career.” Lastly, when asked if she could give one piece of advice to her students, she states, “Don’t procrastinate and don’t leave things for homework, because if you have any questions, you can’t get an immediate answer from your teacher.” Some fun facts about Miss Smith include: When living in New York, she auditioned for the role of Hermione in the stage play The Cursed Child and received a call back! Though she did not get the role, the casting director told her to never stop pursuing theatre, as she was truly gifted. Miss Smith also acted in an official HBO series, titled Mrs. America, starring actresses Cate Blanchett and Sarah Paulson, for which she has an IMDb credit.

Written by: Kylie Wong Edited by: Greta Qu Photography by: Harry Huang

TEACHER

Reflections from Roderick Liao LIFE AFTER MENTOR COLLEGE

For Roderick Liao, life after graduating from Mentor College has been both challenging and rewarding. Now studying computer engineering at the University of Toronto, Roderick has shared some thoughts on how his high school experiences shaped his transition to university and beyond. Roderick chose computer engineering because of his long-standing passion for computers, programming, and STEM subjects. In high school, he participated in design competitions that deepened his interest in problem-solving and innovation, naturally leading him toward engineering. Choosing the University of Toronto was an easy decision for him, as it is a school known for its highly competitive academic environment and its emphasis on research. He also liked the idea of living in Toronto, a city full of opportunities, culture, and excitement. When questioned regarding his experience at the school, Roderick responded with enthusiasm, “So far, I have to say it has been great!”

ALUMNI

Looking back, Roderick believes Mentor College prepared him extremely well for the academic demands of university. Even when he was told by his professors during orientation that he should expect 50-60 hours of work per week, Roderick felt prepared, all thanks to his experience with Mentor’s rigorous curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Classes like AP Physics C and AP Calculus BC helped him build a strong foundation for university-level coursework. “Mentor made the transition easier,” he explained, noting that, even with an average of one midterm every week in university, he still manages to stay on top of his studies. Roderick credits several of his high school teachers, specifically his grade 12 teachers, Ms. Muresan and Mr. Regep, for their dedication and support, saying that they were “a big part of my high school career.” He is a firm believer that current Mentor students should push themselves and take AP courses, even if they don’t plan to use the credits, because of the experience that said courses can offer. Of course, life at university is not without challenges. Adjusting to newfound independence, developing time-management skills, and adapting to his new environment were all difficult for Roderick at first. But one way to overcome these hurdles, Roderick noted, is to find a person with a similar schedule during the first few weeks. Having a friend with whom to study, explore campus life, and go to class can make a huge difference in staying motivated and feeling connected. Finally, Roderick’s advice for current Mentor students is simple, but meaningful: “Enjoy your time in high school and have more fun.” He went on to emphasize the fact that high school offers a rare balance of freedom and support, something that he said students will miss once university life begins. While success is important, Roderick reminds students not to forget to relax and enjoy the journey. For Roderick Liao, Mentor College was not just a school, but a foundation that prepared him for the challenges and opportunities of life after graduation.

Written by: Akam Kanwar Edited by: Michael Kis Photography by: Roderick Liao

ALUMNI

THE TRUE MEANING OF THANKSGIVING Gratitude Beyond the Turkey

Every year, families gather around tables to celebrate Thanksgiving, but it seems that somewhere along the way the true meaning of the holiday has been lost to tradition. Between the rush of trying to find the perfect decorations and the challenges of having to serve seemingly endless plates of food, it is quite easy to forget that Thanksgiving was never truly about what is on the table. When asked about Thanksgiving, many people would probably say they are looking forward to am delicious Thanksgiving meal- which, honestly, is understandable. After all, who doesn’t love a special meal? But beyond that it is also important to consider the deeper meaning behind the holiday, which is gratitude and kindness. Thanksgiving gives individuals a chance to express how thankful they are for all the positive aspects of their lives. And while the holiday is about expression, reflection is also an integral part of it. True gratitude reaches deeper than just a simple “thank you”. It is about recognizing the people and the moments that shape one’s life and giving them the appreciation they deserve. Of course, nobody’s life is perfect, but to be truly appreciative of life despite all of the challenges makes reflection all the more meaningful; that is the true meaning of thanksgiving. Taking the time to look beyond all the aesthetics and preparation reminds us that gratitude is much, much more than that second slice of pumpkin pie!

Written by: Anika Menon Edited by: Michael Kis Art by: Alex Redden

OPINION

LOCAL NEWS

MISSISSAUGA LIGHTS UP FOR DIWALI! Communities Come Together for Vibrant Celebrations of Culture, Food, and Light

Written by : Aaliyah Khaira Edited by: Ariana Maingi Art by: Lilly Hawass

This past fall, Mississauga hosted two exciting Diwali festivities to bring the community together through culture, music, and celebration. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, remains one of the most cherished holidays in South Asian culture. Two vibrant celebrations, Diwali RazzMatazz and the Diwali Market Event Series, illuminated the city in honour of this event. Diwali RazzMatazz, held on October 4 and 5 , filled Celebration Square with colour, rhythm, and joy. Families and friends enjoyed a weekend full of entertainment, featuring Bollywood headliner performances, concerts, and cultural dances. The event also included a Diwali Bazaar and a “Diwalicious” food court, which offered authentic South Asian dishes that captured the festive spirit. Grade 11 student Jasleen Grewal attended the th th

festival and labeled it as a “must-attend celebration to truly experience Diwali”. Later in the month, the Diwali Market Event Series brought the magic of Diwali to Square One from October 30 to November 5 . Cultural food, fashion, and dance intertwined to create an immersive experience during the week-long celebration. Visitors explored vibrant stalls, live performances, and the rich South Asian traditions that define what Diwali really is. Both events highlighted Mississauga’s diversity and strong sense of community while honoring the cultural significance of Diwali—the triumph of light over darkness and of good over evil. Whether people came for the music, food, or the festive atmosphere, these celebrations illuminated the city with joy and cultural pride. th th

THANKSGIVING SPIRIT IN PORT CREDIT

LOCAL NEWS

Local Markets and Family Fun Bring Warmth and Community to Mississauga

As people gathered to celebrate the new fall season, Port Credit and Mississauga as a whole was filled with festive activity for the Thanksgiving weekend. The Harvest Festival and the Port Credit Farmers’ Market were two significant events that brought both locals and tourists together to take in the autumn air, fresh produce, and fun family activities. At the Port Credit Farmers’ Market, held in the parking lot of the Port Credit library, visitors strolled through rows of stalls packed with homemade crafts, artisanal snacks, and fresh, locally grown fruit. There was something for everyone, from jams and fresh farm apples to unique jewellery and souvenirs. Drawn in by the scenic setting, many people took photos beside the famous Port Credit Lighthouse or went for walks along the shorefront. The market, free to enter and open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., provided the perfect beginning to an autumn weekend: a chance to see local businesses and enjoy the community. From October 11 to 13, the Harvest Festival at Square One Shopping Centre turned the mall’s parking lot into a lively autumn wonderland. The atmosphere was perfect for the season, with vibrant pumpkins, haystack photo ops, and warm fall decorations. While children waited in line for face painting and inflatable games, families took turns on train and carousel rides. Assorted food trucks served gourmet street food and warm apple cider. There was free admission to the festival, which included giveaways and competitions for prizes. These events captured the celebratory spirit and importance of Thanksgiving. Whether people were exploring the farmers’ market or taking in the excitement of the Harvest Festival, the weekend offered a strong reminder of Mississauga’s vibrance!

Written by: Aaliyah Khaira Edited by: Ariana Maingi Art by: Ruzhi Liu

At Mentor College, fashion might not be a big focus, but it still influences student life in many small ways. The uniform, while serving a practical purpose and enhancing the professional image of the school, can get repetitive at times, especially as students wear it five days a week for ten months. Even against a backdrop of matching uniforms, many students still find subtle ways to stand out, whether through shoes, hairstyles, jewellery, or even how they wear the uniform. Though the school uniform represents discipline and equality, its basic and formal nature can feel uncomfortable. This explains why students often resort to slight modifications or, in other words, uniform customizations. Even with boundaries, students still find creative ways to stay comfortable or express themselves. Rolling sleeves, layering Mentor hoodies, or adding personal touches such as pins on blazers, allow students to stay comfortable while showing personality. “I don’t mind wearing the uniform because I still find ways to express myself, like wearing cool pins on my blazer,” shared Grade 11 student, Olivia Yang. These small details reflect individuality without defying the dress code.

While some may think uniforms limit creativity, many students at Mentor College see them as a chance to be creative in different, but simple, ways. Simple choices like accessories, hairstyles, or other small adjustments show that fashion can still thrive, even with rules. Certainly dress down and spirit days bring a lot of excitement to the halls. Grade 11 student Kaya Gulati says: “It’s the one day we can actually show our personalities.” The change from uniforms to personal clothes makes the school feel brighter and more energetic, showing how fashion can influence confidence and mood. Even with a uniform, students still find ways to express who they are. Uniform trends are about how creativity and individuality can exist, even within a dress code.

Fashion Under the Dress Code UNIFORM TRENDS

Written by: Ayat Biabani Edited by: Ariana Maingi Art by: Alex Redden

STUDENT TALK

As the coloured leaves begin to fall, crisp autumn air surrounds everyone, and the scent of pumpkin spice lingers, Thanksgiving reminds students to remember who and what truly matters. Aside from the excitement building up to a well-deserved long weekend, Thanksgiving is a time for all to reflect on the people and little things that make life meaningful each and every day. Grade 11 student Kaya Gulati reflects that gratitude lies in the classroom, and that she is “thankful for her access to education, as many girls around the world don’t have these opportunities”. She appreciates the different experiences she has access to as a female high school student, as well as her ability to travel, meet new people, and learn about new cultures. Kate Sproull, (also in Grade 11), said her list of gratitude begins with the people around her.; She is “thankful for her family and friends and being surrounded by those who make [her] happy”. Kate also discussed her gratitude for “good education, health, and happiness”, and for simply being able to wake up excited each day to witness the sheer beauty of nature and the world. This October, remember that gratitude is not just about saying “thanks”. It is found in the laughter between classes, a fun conversation with a family member, and an appreciation for the world. So, before diving into a warm slice of pie, take a moment to think about what deserves gratitude and appreciation: be it friends, family, or all the little wins in life, the small moments every day serve as a reminder of all there really is to be grateful for. In the end, it is the memories and people that truly make Thanksgiving special and worth celebrating. PUMPKIN SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE What Students Are Grateful for This Thanksgiving

Written by: Rhea Singh Edited by: Ariana Maingi Art by: Ruzhi Li

STUDENT TALK

Meet our Mentor Moon Team

Shreya Budhoo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kylie Wong TEACHER JOURNALIST ALUMNI JOURNALIST Akam Kanwar

Terrence Chen | Surkhab Mohi MANAGING EDITORS Jessie Li HEAD OF VISUALS

Michael Kis | Vivian Lenton Ariana Maingi | Greta Qu EDITORS Ayana Cheema | Ananya Jain SCHOOL NEWS JOURNALISTS Emaan Poonawala | Kate Sproull Dianna Sydorko SPORTS JOURNALISTS

Aaliyah Khaira LOCAL NEWS JOURNALIST Anika Menon OPINION COLUMNIST

See previous editions of The Mentor Moon

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