Did we all enjoy that four-day weekend? A Pro-D Day followed by Family Day is really a heaven-sent combination. Whether you spent the break on a weekend getaway or in the quiet comfort of your own home, hopefully, you found some well-deserved rest. We’ll need it as we head into the next few weeks - all of which, fair warning, are full five-day stretches. You’ve got this, Minis!
Over the long weekend, many of us were likely glued to CBC Gem, watching world-class athletes dominate on the snow and ice. We’ve seen incredible Canadian performances across the board, including four gold medals, and our fingers are crossed that the hockey teams add a few more to that tally. The Canadian Men's Team is looking unbelievable this year, though after a close call against Czechia on Tuesday, we’ll all be on the edge of our seats as the tournament progresses. Will you be tuning in for the semifinals?
One thing has become clear as the games continue: the Mini School is an ideal Olympic viewing environment. At any given time, you can find at least one or two classrooms with the games projected live, volume up and all. We really have our teachers to thank for that - love you guys!
Now for the good stuff. In this week's Throwback Thursday, we're taking a look at the Class of 1984. Springsteen is ripping vocals to 'Born in the U.S.A.,' 'Purple Rain' is showering throughout the west, and a slew of classic movies - from 'Indiana Jones: The Temple of Doom' to 'The Karate Kid' to 'Footloose' - are all getting released at once. Looking at this week’s image, it’s easy to see how graduating during what is called "the greatest year for pop culture" felt like a breath of creative air.
Loud and proud at the top of the page, it reads: The Tenth Graduating Class, 1984, Prince of Wales Mini. In the center sits an iconic, if somewhat unnerving, illustration of a tire with limbs waving a banner that says: "ROLL ON, MINI." Surrounding this drawing are portraits of the Grade 12s brave enough to have their photos taken, each labeled with a name and a quintessential 80s nickname. Between the poses, the hairstyles, and the outfits, they are truly living the '84 life. As for the two photos at the bottom... well, we'll leave those to your imagination. Your Humble Muse Editors have no idea what's going on there.
There is so much character and positivity to be felt from this single page of Mini history. These students were clearly proud of the program they helped build as our tenth graduating class. Now, the Mini is over half a century old. These students are somewhere out there today - adults with fine memories of their teenage years, yet unaware that the program still remembers their legacy to this day. We do not know their whereabouts, but at least we have their photos here, immortalized in young and shining form.
