Mackenzie Arts proudly showcased creativity and innovation at its first-ever Winterfest fundraiser and arts showcase. Before heading into the winter break, the event stood as a reflection of the dedication of volunteers and staff members who helped bring a new vision to life.
The celebration began with decorating the school, transforming it into a festive winter wonderland for students and families to enjoy. Giant snowmen and intricate snowflake installations set the tone for the event. From there, the carnival came to life, featuring representatives from many of the arts programs at Mackenzie, including the Photography Club, Drama Club, Visual Arts Council, and more. Each booth offered a unique look into the diverse creative talents within the school.
Food sales were a major highlight of the night. Baked goods, pizza, and popcorn were all popular choices, along with classic coffees and teas to help guests warm up. Serving fresh food to enthusiastic attendees proved to be an effective way to fundraise for the school, with most of it being sold out by the end of the hour!
At the photobooth, the Photography Club impressed visitors with a professionally designed backdrop, props, and installations for high-quality photos. Families stopped by to capture moments filled with smiles and laughter. A special shoutout goes to the WLMAC Lyon for taking photos alongside club members and families.
Across the gym, student-made artwork was available for purchase, with over 80 greeting cards, wiggly portraits, and stickers sold. These pieces were created by students in Mackenzie’s visual art classes. Face painting stations and henna booths were also a hit, offering beautifully detailed designs throughout the evening.
The silent auction featured exciting items, including a pair of basketball shoes, dance lessons, artwork, wellness baskets, and more, drawing strong interest from attendees. In the foyer, the Art Sales section raised over $210 through the sale of student-made portraits, photography pieces, paintings, and sketches. Finally, the carnival section offered fun-filled games such as Darts, the Beat Drop Challenge, Twister, Ring Toss, and Cornhole, appealing to guests of all ages where there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Turning to the show, the stage came alive with cultural dances and performances spanning a variety of dance genres. Drama pieces were also presented, alongside festive music performed by Mackenzie’s bands and ensembles. The performances highlighted the dedication, creativity, and talent of students, and the carnival acknowledged the important contributions of those working behind the scenes. Together, both performers and organizers played a vital role in delivering a successful show with an impressive turnout.
Overall, Winterfest provided an opportunity for Mackenzie students to come together and showcase their talents across various art forms, strengthening the sense of community among Mackenzie families and friends. In addition to our music and dance shows, introducing the carnival created an interactive component where students and their families could come together and enjoy something different that the school has to offer, creating a memorable experience for all.

Mackenzie is officially in the new year and out of our winter break! Of course, the change from pyjamas and blankets hasn't taken its full effect yet.
As of now, virtual learning will continue until January 17th.
Of course, staring at a Zoom meeting is not the most exciting pass time.
Clubs have also come to a standstill, pending COVID protocols of the TDSB.
Regardless, the goings on of our school are still here to look forward to, so here's our list for this week:
Some things that happened this week:
- School started on Wednesday, January 5th (duh).
- Visual Arts Council is accepting monthly artwork this new year! The theme is "Renewal", referring to your new year's resolutions. Submit your artwork here.
- In these difficult times, the school continues to offer guidance meetings, which you can book here.
- TED Club hosted a University Student Panel today, on Friday, January 7th from 4:30-6:00 pm.
- Over the winter break, the Flounder, WLMAC's very own (questionable) news source. Find the issue here.
- Mackenzie ESports Club hosted a 4v4v4v4 Minecraft Bedwars tournament on December 27th and 28th.
- MCPT's Holiday Game Jam was held from December 27th to December 31st. Check out the games made by your fellow students here.
Some things to anticipate next week:
-The first credit rescue day is on January 12th, 2022.
- WLMAC Cybersecurity is hosting a beginner Capture-The-Flag competition from January 10 to February 4. Find out more here , and sign up to participate here.
- Business Council's Target Alpha Stock Trading Competition has begun! Good luck to all participants.

Today marks the end of Mackenzie's North York Harvest food drive! Congratulation to the winning class, and thank you to all who participated by donating non-perishable food.
Furthermore, grade 12 grad quote submissions are due on December 12th, 2021. All graduates, get your quotes into the yearbook committee form!
Some other things that happened this week:
- MCPT held their second Game Dev meeting, which taught how to create a tower defence game.
- The Arts Council is opening up their monthly art submissions again! This month, the theme is the winter/holidays. Find more through this link.
- SAC is beginning our winter candy gram sales! come to the front foyer at lunch to pick up a candy gram for a special someone, or just those who you want to send appreciation. Our raffle prize this season is an Apple Watch Series 3!
- Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat contest registration are now open. Sign up here before January 31st, 2022.
- The Music Council opened up the stage for performers who want to submit a performance to their Linktree (in their Instagram bio). The deadline for your submissions is December 8th, and you will be entered into SAC's holiday giveaway upon submission. Happy practicing!
- Mackenzie's Undergraduate Business Panel happened today at 4:00 pm.
Some things that are happening next week:
- MCPT's December LCC will be held on December 9th, 2021.
- The SAC holiday candy gram sale will continue to run until next Wednesday or December 8th.
- Arts Council submissions are open until the end of December.