RVRHS Discussion Phorum

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 RVRHS closure
Author: Olga (---.sympatico.ca)
Date:   11-15-02 00:32

Did anybody see the report on ctv tonight, I completely missed it and would like to know what's going on with RVR's closure or transfer.
Thanks

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: g (---.107-202-24.que.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   03-16-03 21:27

hello,
i was class of 2001 and have a younger sister (part of student council and on that ctv news interview) graduating this year 2003, the year "rvr died". well actually, the rvr buidling , owned by chemin des patriotes, has dutifully kicked rvr out of the building, thius transfering them to a spare building in vieux-longeuil. From jan. 03 to june 03, the rvr will finish its final school year there and then join with macdonald cartier under a new school name, not yet determined.

welcome, g

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Marie-Joele (---.qc.sympatico.ca)
Date:   03-17-03 17:00

Who is going to be in the old building of RVR? Does anyone know?

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Liz Mavor (---.tor.primus.ca)
Date:   03-30-03 22:59

I am deeply saddened to hear that RVR is closed. It was a place where I was able to grow and learn and become the strong person that I did. I can't imagine having gone to school anywhere else... I think that all of the students who have been taken out of their environment and thrown into a temporary school are strong and deserve a round of applause for going through this, expecially if they are graduating this year. I cant imagine having had that kind of experience in my last year of high school... one of the happiest of my life so far. Good luck to all of you and know that every person who ever went to RVR feels your pain with you.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Marie-Josée Nadeau (---.tvcablenet.be)
Date:   04-30-03 14:16

RVR will never die for the former grads - CTV news interview or not. I no longer live in Canada - I am overseas in Belgium but do keep in touch thanks to this great website.

For me, RVR represents years of memories - I still remember the day after Lennon was shot, when we all arrived in the Beloeil bus, heavy make-up, chewing gum, a pack of smokes hidden in our trendy 'lumberjack coats' (remember those?) and we slowly approached a new facade of the school dedicated to John Lennon....an orange graffiti in his memory (the image in the 1981 yearbook). RVR was the a-block, the foodfights, the dances, the awful french fries, the old gang catching up on gossip, the five-minute dash to finish a homework assignment minutes before the bell rang....

RVR was where I had my first kiss with a boy in a stairwell close to the math section. It was the place where the band played, a bunch of us dressed in yellow and green. RVR was the place where we ran outside in gymshorts on a cold October morning next to that cemetary. We often sat outside that brown building when it would get warmer and making those hard decisions in life like, "do we wanna skip Mr. ARnold's class today"? I had my first cigarette between the double doors at RVR (not that I am proud of it)...

The point is this....RVR was stage to one of the best periods in my life. I did a lot of growing up back then, I experienced new things, learned a lot and for me...

RVR will live on

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Nellie (---.sympatico.ca)
Date:   06-10-03 19:14

Hi Olga;

I saw your post. Do you remember me? I just found this site a few days ago and have been looking to connect with some of the old gang. Please drop me a line if you recognize my name.

:)

Nellie

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Michelle (---.74-202-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   06-10-03 22:46

The John Lennon peace sign that was painted on the wall, then photo'd and placed in the Gazette front page was a joke. Having Mike and Desiree standing under the pic showed what a farce the whole event was. Mike was suspended for beating a 14 yr old and Desiree spent the entire time in high school harassing people. 'Give Peace a Chance' was a motto Lennon lived by. In RVR it turned into a grotesque photo op for 2 white trash kids.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: paul jones (---.sympatico.ca)
Date:   06-19-03 12:02

I attended the last RVR graduation which was held at Champlain. The school will move from its temporary location to Mcdonald-Cartier in September. I am informed that the school will be renamed Heritage as a tribute to both schools. i.e. Mac and RVR. It is right that the Lennon memorial was a bit of a crock, but while I do not remember Mike I think the desciption of Desiree was a little unkind.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Jane (206.191.84.---)
Date:   06-25-03 19:32

To: Paul Jones


If you are referring to the Desiree I remember (class of 82), I would say you hadn't known her too well. If you had, I doubt you would have described Michelle's description as "unkind". As one of the students Desiree had threatened, I can only wonder how she contends with herself now when she thinks about her past behavior. I would like to think she is ashamed of the way she'd conducted herself in high school. I equally hope she is instilling different values in her children. I agree, we should share warm recollections of our classmates, but by softening memories of bullyism, we only help the problem to grow. Bullies can do powerful, lasting emotional damage at a time of life when our minds, morals, and thought patterns are forming for better or for worse. It is in the best interest of society to consistently condemn bullies for their actions. Let's save the defending for their victims.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Denis Bernicky (---.220-201-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   06-30-03 07:55

Michelle's description is not unkind things we remember, especially from high school, evoke powerful memories and equally powerful emotions.

I used to wonder what became of bullies but this site has stopped me from wondering. With few exceptions everyone I remember as a bully has done very well for themselves in the real world. So much for the meek inheriting the earth.


Just my two cents.

Denis

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Tania Fell (---.mediagrif.com)
Date:   06-30-03 08:16

Does anybody know which "Mike" is being described in the message from Michelle?
As for Desiree: I was never "Bullied" by her, as I made sure to avoid her. I had heard rumours in school about her beating people up in the girls washroom. I ran into her a few years ago in Otterburn, and she is not the same person as in high school. She and I sat and had a few beers, and it was a completly different person.
However, I was bullied on a daily basis by Ken Armstrong. Non-stop when I was in Grade 7. From the time I got on the bus in the morning (last one on, and I had the pleasure of sitting in the back with him and Andre Rivard) to the time the bus dropped me off at home. Ken went to the extreme by phoning me every night at home with threats of what he would do if I ever said anything to anyone. He used to corner me in the hallways and push me up against the wall, and call me all types of names. He seemed to really enjoy having fun at my expense. I would love to see what he's like today. Hopefully he's a changed person. Do I forgive him for a complete year of torment? I'll only know if I meet him face-to-face.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Denis Bernicky (---.220-201-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   06-30-03 11:48

I think the litany of bullies could go on for quite some time and would like it to end here. Whether or not people were bullies it will likely only lead to having to shut down this phorum if this discussion continues unless everyone commenting would be willing to swear out a statement to the veracity of their comments. I bring this up because this is ultimately my website and if anyones feet get held to the coals for this it will be me. So if we can let us drop this discussion now or move it to a Yahoo discussion group where everyone can talk about it an Yahoo can deal with the legal problems that arise.

On another note:

I do not believe that leopards change their spots. The people we knew in high school are the same people today only more circumspect or exaggerated. Reunions are regular proof of this. You can be assured that people who were bullies continue to bully those around them. Just as you can be assured that those who were the most helpful continue to help those around them. We are who we are by the age of 10 everything else is just refinement.

That's the way I see it anyway.

Denis

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Tania Fell (---.mediagrif.com)
Date:   06-30-03 16:37

Denis,

Whatever happened to "Freedom Of Speech"? What's wrong with voicing my opinions on what happened in high-school? I probably had more good times than bad, but reading the above blurbs brought back some memories, which I felt needed to be aired.

TF

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Denis Bernicky (---.220-201-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   06-30-03 17:22

Hi Tania,

Well nothing happened to "Freedom Of Speech". I did not censor or delete any of the comments in the Phorum. So freedom of speech still reigns.

I made a request that the thread be ended because I am leery of legal action. I have had to deal with lawyers over this site in the past and it is an unpleasant experience. Do I want to be sued over thing said in the Phorum because I own the site? Not really. My life in high school was frequently made a living hell by various students in various years. Being fat, poor and athletically challenged are not recommendations to popularity. I have not forgiven, I will not forget, but I will not give them motivation to file spurious lawsuits against me or this site either.

My concerns are these:

1. Having made an accusation against a person or persons will the author of that accusation stand by it in a sworn affidavit?

2. If they are not willing to stand beside it - or even deny having authored the comment who will be held liable for legal costs and damages sought should a complaint be filed in court?

I chose not to censor comments because to do so would imply editorial control and if editorial control is exercised in the Phorum then it would then stand to reason that an editor of some kind would therefore be liable for damages should they be sought by an "injured" party in the future. I also choose not to censor because I do not believe in censorship which is a tough stand to take these days when censorship is exactly what most people demand of everything from our thoughts to the written word. I cannot however avoid the very real concern that the Phorum might ultimately bankrupt me as a result of that support for freedom of speech. So I ask that before this becomes a free for all condemnation of those who haunt our past we do what really should be done - not think about them at all because to think about them is to validate them.

Sincerely,

Denis Bernicky

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Jane (---.14-201-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   07-01-03 16:49

Denis,

It was never my intention, and I do want to promote legal
retribution. However, should such a case develop, I think you will
be surprised by the amount of support you will receive.
In the meantime, I must agree, one hundred percent, with Tania. Our
country entitles us to, and we do deserve freedom of speech. Paul
Jones’s response to Michelle’s message forced me to speak out. It
brought back memories,which I have not forgotten and also felt
should be aired. I do not, in any way, want to spread negativity to
this phorum, but if we cannot freely express ourselves as adults,
what example are we setting for our children?

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Dave Walker (142.166.80.---)
Date:   07-02-03 07:57

Tina, I not a 100% sure but I believe it was Mike Cooper that was in the picture with Desiree,

Denis I have to agree with you, get sued over a comment made by someone else on phorum that you own would not be enjoyable or fair.
Did have a chance to go to the Legion for the Canada day celebrations

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: amanda draper (---.tdbank.ca)
Date:   07-02-03 10:02

Tina, the person in the picture with Desiree is Mike Sides, class of '81.

Amanda

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Denis Bernicky (---.220-201-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   07-02-03 12:06

It is Mike Sides in the picture. If you go to the photo page you will even see a copy of the gazette photo.

Denis.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: michel malin (4.43.100.---)
Date:   07-02-03 16:16

Denis,
I agree with you, and I'm sure many others will agree that siting names 25 years after the fact serves no useful purpose. Now, to create some sort of "good" from these discussions, we as parents and adults, should remind our children to treat people as they themselves want to be treated. Fat, short, athletic, or intellectual, we all deserve the same respect!! Denis,
I only know you through your writings, but I hope when the time comes, my children will be open minded enough to befriend someone like yourself...

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: michel malin (24.216.255.---)
Date:   07-02-03 19:38

I know, I know...citing is with a c not an s

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Jane (206.191.84.---)
Date:   07-03-03 15:24

It is very difficult to win a defamation suit in Canada, Internet or
not. Primarily, as the plaintiff, you have to be able to
categorically prove that the allegation made against you is false.
In point of present case, I doubt that can ever happen. Something
else people should realize is that our legal system frowns on
frivolous lawsuits, i.e.: they ultimately become more costly to the
plaintiff than they do to the defendant. Now with all that said, of
course nobody needs the bother. If there is continued discomfort
with this topic then the discussion should end.

In response to Michel Malin’s message, I’d like to say that I posted
mine in the hope that something good would come of it. I don’t believe I wrote uselessly, and I don't think that the other people who expressed their feelings wrote uselessly either. It is my wish that our present generation of teenagers will read messages like ours and think about the consequences of their actions. Horrid behavior might be forgiven, but it does not go forgotten. As parents, of course we try teach our children to be respectful of others. I think that goes without say. Unfortunately though, every now and then, it does happen that the last people who children want to listen to are their parents. Sometimes a message read can be better understood.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: michel malin (4.43.100.---)
Date:   07-03-03 15:50

Jane,
Not trying to be too critical, but I seem to have read the threads in a different way...
I believe Denis was not debating wether or not he could win a lawsuit but that he does not want to be part of one....two different things

...again, the message would be just as clear without the names

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Lynn MacLeod Morris (---.sympatico.ca)
Date:   07-03-03 17:43

My opinion only ladies and gentlemen, ENOUGH ALREADY!!! We all have regrets about High school. I am SURE that we all have tried to raise our children to respect all others because of it. I would hope that most of us have put the past behind us and looked to today if not the future but I see that a handful of you would rather gripe and whine over the past.

Speaking as a parent of 3 that may not live to see my 13 year old start high school or my 9 year old start grade 4 this fall, live for today and forget about yesterday. It is all in the past, please leave it there, where it belongs! Don't harp on things you can't change, teach your kids right from wrong and how to stand on their own two feet. With any luck at all, your kids will be like mine and not the bully or the bullied. Denis requested an end to it so end it, here and now!

Take care, Lynn
Class of '83'

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Michelle (---.74-202-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   07-04-03 00:32

I began the entire thread on the topic of bullies, and the other day I sent Denis an email apologising.

Tania, freedom of speech is your right; it's not your right to express your opinion and place Denis in the position of being held legally liable.

You're entirely free to start your own website, register it under your own name, make whatever statements you choose, and place yourself responsible for possible negative consequences which may arise.

Jane, regardless of the possibility of whether Denis would or would not win, he is still financially and legally liable for this site.

Should people choose to use Denis's site in an irresponsible manner, then at the very least write Denis to tell him that you will provide the financial backing should he require legal services.

I regret my post; not its contents, but these for 2 reasons:
1) I placed Denis in an awkward situation. He has spent much time, energy, and resources maintaining the website and Phorum. Denis has done this for no other purpose than to provide a medium for all of us to enjoy.
2) I allowed a moment of anger to override my better judgement, and by consequence, deteriorated the quality of this site.

Paul, if you have good memories of Desiree, then I hope you 2 can get together and catch each other up on your current lives. Tania, that you were willing to sit down with her and understand that she is no longer the same person speaks much of your own character.

Lynn, you have our best wishes. Every moment is important.

I ask that people respect the purpose of this site; my momentary lapse won't repeat itself.

pax.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Tania Fell (---.mediagrif.com)
Date:   07-11-03 10:09

Hi Michelle,

I have just finished reading your post on the RVR Phorum, and the paragraph which is:

"Tania, freedom of speech is your right; it's not your right to express your opinion and place Denis in the position of being held legally liable.

You're entirely free to start your own website, register it under your own name, make whatever statements you choose, and place yourself responsible for possible negative consequences which may arise."

Yes, Freedom Of Speach is my right, and I will use it whenever I feel that it is necessary. I will express my opinons where and when I feel like it. If you don't like them, then please ignore them. I have e-mailed Denis, explaining that I put my feelings in the phorum, just like everybody else did, and that I had nothing else to add onto it. End of discussion.

I have no desire to start a website, but thanks all the same for the suggestion.

I wish you well in all your endevours.

Best Regards

Tania Fell

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Steve (206.191.84.---)
Date:   07-12-03 10:13

Denis: –

I was made aware of your site and decided to take a look. This discussion was one of the first that popped up on your phorum, so I read on.


I don’t want to openly express my views on bullies. The only thing I will say is that it did exist at RVR and even though I was not personally affected, I knew others who were, and the people in command, teachers, administration, did not often care enough to deal with it.

Moving on to the next topic: - I have two questions and my two cents to throw in on legal responsibility on the internet and your web site.

1> If somebody makes a comment on your phorum and identifies
himself with an email address, isn't that person identified and responsible for what he or she has said? (Isn't your responsibility only to remove the message if anyone asks?)

2> Aren’t you more legally liable by updating student information based on hearsay, I mean information not coming directly from the student, like stuff starting with “rumoured to be…” or “last seen doing…”


Hate to be a prick but it’s difficult to ask people to end a discussion you kind of promoted with comments like: -

<Michelle's description is not unkind things we remember, especially from high school, evoke powerful memories and equally powerful emotions.>

You can’t write in your comments then ask people to stop with theirs because you don’t like the way the thread is going.

Phorum Suggestion: - Set rules and guidelines, like other discussion groups, be the first to respect them, and future arguments and
problems will probably be avoided.

Alumni Page Suggestion: - If it's not from the horse’s mouth, don't print it.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Denis Bernicky (---.220-201-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   07-13-03 11:25

You must have lead a charmed life to have been entirely unaffected by bullies at RVRHS.

Well the rumored to be and "last seen" comments are all very very tame and nothing slanderous or malicious in the content. In some cases it was myself who wrote them from my own last meetings with them in other cases information has come from parents, siblings or friends. I don't believe I have any exposure on that front. I have never once been approached by anyone about content on the alumni pages other than to add or update information.

I have no intention of setting rules and guidelines for the Phorum I will make the occasional request for decorum when I feel it is necessary. The minute I take editorial control is the minute that I will become 100% legally responsible for the content of the Phorum. I have been informed that there is legal precedent for this position and as such I will continue to maintain it until such time as I am advised otherwise by counsel.

If all of this gets to the point where it become too much of a hassle to keep going I will just shut it down. As it is it takes a ton of time each month to keep it going so it wouldn't really be missed that much.

Thank you for your contributions. I hope you decide to join the site.

Have a nice day.

Denis Bernicky - Class of 80.

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 Re: RVRHS closure
Author: Denis Bernicky (---.220-201-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca)
Date:   07-13-03 11:33

PS: Steve your email address doesn't work.

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