Vincent Massey Secondary School

Vincent Massey Secondary School
Address
1800 Liberty Street Windsor , Ontario , N9E 1J2
Information
School type	Public high school
Motto	Dum Laboramus Prosumus
Founded	1960
School board	Greater Essex County District School Board
Superintendent	Paul Antaya
Principal	Melissa Nantais
Grades	9 to 12
Enrollment	approx. 1,400 (May 2008)
Language	English
Area	South Windsor
Colour(s)	Blue & Orange & White (Traditional Double Blue)
Mascot	Morris the Horse
Team name	Mustangs
Website	http://www.gecdsb.on.ca/schools/SEC/massey/

Vincent Massey Secondary School is a public secondary school in Windsor, Ontario named after Vincent Massey. It is known locally for its enriched program, and is highly competitive in national and international mathematics competitions. Other school activities that are known prominently locally and in Southwestern Ontario include its Cross Country, Track, Swimming, and Reach for the Top trivia teams.

History

Massey opened in 1960. Originally known as Vincent Massey Collegiate Institute but renamed to Vincent Massey Secondary School in the mid 1960s to allow a school in Etobicoke, Ontario to be called Vincent Massey Collegiate Institute.

Tennis Courts were planned to be built on the parcel of land that sits on Rankin Avenue, but neighbours complained during the 1960s and the land has sat vacant ever since. During the late 1980s, students planted trees to sprucen up the property.

The round library is a unique fixture to school - added a few years after the school opened.

25 Year Re-union A very successful 25th Year re-union was held in May 1985..

In September 1986, the students from Centennial Secondary School relocated mainly to Massey after their school closed because of dwindling enrollment at the two schools. Centennial was built in the mid-1960s because Massey's student population was over 2,000 students. Massey added Orange to the school colours in honour of Centennial, whose school colours were Black and Orange. Their sports teams were known as the Cougars.

Student Events

Every year there are numerous events organized by the students of Vincent Massey.

One of them is a Semi Formal, which is a dance, dinner and social gathering for the students in grades 9-11. Students have the option of inviting friends from other schools, or grade 12's from Massey, although the latter is not usually done. This school year's Semi Formal will be on February 26, 2008 at the Ciccarro. The tentative theme is 'Old Hollywood' and students will be encouraged to dress accordingly. The theme colours are red, white and black.

Another event is Prom, which is tailored towards graduating students and tends to be a fancier, more lavish event. This is typically held in a large hall. The theme for 2008 is 'Midnight Masquerade'.

One monthly event enjoyed by many students is known as Coffeehouse, and takes place once a month. Coffeehouse consists of many student volunteers who both set up the event, bake for bake sales held during at the event, and perform throughout the event. It is generally held on the last Thursday of every month and runs from 7-9 P.M.

Another event which is commonly held is the Multicultural Dinner and Show, which takes place during a week which students promote their multicultural heritages. Generally speaking it is a great success and is greatly enjoyable for all of those involved.

Other very successful events held at Massey are the annual All Night Dance and Under-privileged Children's Christmas Party (UCCP).

The All Night Dance, usually held early November, is an event that runs from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, to 7:00 a.m on Saturday. There is a dance and many activities for students to enjoy. This dance is a fundraiser for UCCP held later on in the year.

UCCP is a student run event that takes place mid-December. UCCP is an event where under-privileged children from the community are invited to Vincent Massey's campus, to celebrate the holiday season. These children are brought over to the school on a Saturday, and they spend the day with student volunteers, enjoying winter activities, and going home with a gift given by Santa himself. This event involves close to 500 student volunteers, and up to 400 children, who are provided with a scrumptious holiday meal before they leave. This is Massey's main, and most successful volunteer project, supporting community involvement. However, due to lack of teacher support - according to the Boss Lady - it appears as though both the All Night Dance and the UCCP are going to be canceled.

Athletics

Massey has a well known reputation in X-C(Cross Country) and Track & Field, but is also beginning to thrive in swimming. They are proud owners of many WECESSA, SWOSSA and OFSAA Titles from the past 10 years.