A Memorable Model UN Trip
From Thursday, February 4th to Sunday, February 7th, a group of 8 CDS Grade 11 and 12 students travelled to the University of Toronto’s Model United Nations conference. Located in the heart of Toronto, UTMUN provided these students with unique and exciting educational opportunities as they drafted resolutions, engaged in heated debates and attempted to master the art of diplomacy and negotiation.
This conference consisted of a wide range of committees, each of which integrated dynamic, real-world current and past issues, both domestically and internationally. Before the students embarked on their journey, they each practiced debating strategies, researched on the topic of their committee, and wrote a two-page position paper on their country’s/leader’s stance on the topic at hand. During the four-day conference, the CDS students debated on topics such as the use of foreign aid, women's rights, censorship in the media, the use of nuclear weapons, surveillance and the right to privacy, Syrian refugees and their right to safety, and much more.
Each day, the group of engaged students were at the beautiful, St. George campus from early morning, to 6 p.m. or later. The students’ days consisted of debating, writings resolutions, and plenty of debating! A couple of students who were in the International Press Corps council had quite the interesting task, of not only debating, but also bringing out their inner journalist. These students were assigned to different committees, where they went to observe the debates, interview delegates, and write daily news articles with their findings.
A definite highlight of the trip would have to be the adventures that occurred during breaks and lunch hour. Students had the wonderful opportunity to explore the historical campus, as well as roam around the university and the downtown core with new friends from schools in Canada and abroad.
Although students only had a few days of preparation before the conference, the CDS group proudly brought home an award. A big congratulations to Grade 11 student, Brandon Yang, who won Best Position Paper in his committee.
Though it only lasted four days, any Model UN student would wholeheartedly agree that this trip generated enough memories to last a lifetime. A tremendous thank you to Mr. Townsend, who gave his time to prepare the students, as well as accompanying and encouraging them on the trip, and to the Grade 12 Model UN club student leaders, Sebastian Jedrzejewski and Tallin Moyer, who offered their coaching and guidance.
Congratulations to the Model UN club on a fantastic conference - your passion, determination and hard work did not go unnoticed. Wishing the best of luck to the students who are participating in the upcoming SOMA Model UN Conference in April, we know that you will make CDS proud!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
