Ontario Student Classics Conference

The Ontario Student Classics Conference (OSCC) is an annual event committed to the promotion and appreciation of studies in Classics. It is a four-day competition that occurs in early May at Brock University of St. Catharines, Ontario. Initially, the Conference was established as an extension of the National Junior Classical League (NJCL) but has since expanded and grown to become one of the largest and most popular conferences in Ontario,[1] with over 500 students attending each year from 15-20 schools.[2] The conference is dedicated to the study of Classics; students compete in over 100 academic, athletic, and creative competitions all based on aspects of Classical life.[3]

Students gather for the Pompa during the 2006 OSCC.

In addition to competitions, students also participate in different classically themed events, one of these being the "Pompa" (Latin for "Parade"). For this event everyone is required to dressed appropriately in classical attire, namely togas, and line up with their school to parade around the campus before attending a celebratory banquet and awards ceremony.[3]

The OSCC is not affiliated with the Ontario Classical Association (OCA).[4]

Competitions

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Academic contests

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These competitions are designed to challenge students' knowledge of the cultures of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece through the writing of a wide variety of contests. Most contests are offered at three different levels: Junior, Intermediate and Senior. The Greek Derivative and Greek Oral Reading tests only have two: Junior and Senior. Quaerite Summa does not have levels. Levels in some contests are determined by the years of language study while others are based on grade level or a combination of the two. The Academic Pentathlon consists of all five of the 'cursus' contests where Pentathletes' total score is determined by their total score achieved in all five contests.[5][6]

 Cursus competitions 
Academic Pentathlon
Latin Vocabulary
(Written by all participants)
Latin Derivatives
(Written by all participants)
Roman Life
Roman History
Mythology
Other competitions
Latin Sight Translation Greek Oral Reading
Greek Sight Translation Roman History
Latin Comprehension and Grammar Greek History
Latin Derivatives Classical Geography
Greek Derivatives Oral Mythology
Latin Oral Reading Quaerite Summa: Roman Life

Athletic contests

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The athletic competitions are modeled on the Ancient Olympic Games of Ancient Greece. Most events are divided by age and gender. The Relay Race, Slinging, the 50 meter freestyle race and the 100 meter freestyle race are divided only by gender. Discus Ultimus and the Chariot Race are open to everyone together.[6][7]

Field events
Chariot Race Mini-Marathon
Tug-of-War 100m Dash
Discus Ultimus Frisbee Toss
Relay Race Slinging
Water events
Swimming
50m Freestyle
100m Freestyle Relay
100m Mixed Medley Relay
Certamen Navale

Creative contests

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Archaeological Dig at the 2005 OSCC.

Students complete in a variety of creative events and competitions that feature the production of both ancient and modern art forms. Listed below are each of these events; the number in parentheses following the event indicates how many entries each school may submit. Also, the winner of the Best Costume event is awarded no points.[6][8]

Creative events
Archaeological Dig (1) Miscellaneous (2)
Audio-Visual (2) Mosaic (2)
Best Costume (2) Painting (2)
Chariot Design (1) Posters/Charts/Maps (2)
Computer Presentation (2) Pottery (2)
Drawing (2) School Display (1)
Fashion Show (1) Scrapbook (1)
Illustrated Notebook (2) Sculpture (2)
Jewellery (2) Skit (1)
Large Model (2) Small Model (2)

Awards

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Listed below are the trophies for each of the various OSCC competitions, which are given in addition to ribbons recognizing the top 5 placements in each event.[3] University of Toronto Schools has won the Phyllis Morgan Trophy — generally considered the top prize — every year since 1996 (as of 2016); York Mills Collegiate Institute had won nine straight years before 1996.

ACADEMIC
Award (as of 2016) Description
Junior Pentathlon Trophy and Medal Awarded to the top Junior Academic Pentathlete;
Dedicated in 1998
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Intermediate Pentathlon Trophy and Medal Awarded to the top Intermediate Academic Pentathlete;
Dedicated in 1998
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
The Nancy Karrandjas Trophy and Senior Pentathlete Medal Awarded to the top Senior Academic Pentathlete;
Dedicated in 1998
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Latin Sight Contest Trophy Formerly (1968 ff.) awarded to the winner of the North York Latin Sight Competition;
Presented by the North York Board of Education, 1975
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Classics Conference Greek Sight Translation Trophy Inaugurated in 1987
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
The Ron Walters Award: Senior Student Latin Derivatives Inaugurated in 1993
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Ontario Student Classics Conference Greek Derivatives Trophy Inaugurated in 1998
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Senior Latin Oral Reading Trophy Donated by Dr. Katarina Cicogna through the generosity of the Consulate of Italy in 1998
Current Winner: Toronto French School
Gordon Brooks Trophy for Latin Oral Reading Awarded to the school with the highest total number of points in Senior, Intermediate, and Junior readings;
Inaugurated in 1978
Current Winner: Toronto French School
Senior Greek Oral Reading Trophy Dedicated through the generous support of the Consul of Greece in 1996
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
The John Dixon Memorial Trophy for Roman History Awarded to the individual with the highest score on the Written Roman History Competition;
Inaugurated in 1975
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Classics Conference Greek History Trophy Awarded to the individual with the highest score on the Written Greek History Contest;
Inaugurated in 1988
Current Winner: Markham District High School, University of Toronto Schools
The Dorothy Loch Trophy for Mythology Awarded to the school with the most points in Junior, Intermediate and Senior Oral Mythology;
Inaugurated in 1980
Current Winner: Markham District High School
Classics Conference Quaerite Summa Roman Life Trophy Inaugurated in 1987
Current Winner: Markham District High School
John Bell Memorial Award
for Outstanding Academic Achievement
Plaque and medal;
Awarded to all students who place first in five academic competitions, three of which must be single events, or, if no student has won five academic firsts, to the highest-scoring student among those with three or four academic firsts;
Donated by Shademan Akhavan, May 14, 1988
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
The Academic Medal
of the Ontario Student Classics Conference
Awarded to the student with the greatest number of academic points;
Donated by Michael Bales and the Toronto French School, June 2002
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Latin Conference Academic Award Awarded to the school with the greatest number of points in academic competitions;
Inaugurated in 1973
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Rocky Yeung Memorial Trophy for Top Academic Points Per Capita Awarded to the school with the greatest number of points per capita in academic competitions;
Inaugurated in 2004
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
ATHLETIC
Award (as of 2016) Description
The James Lynd and Stephen Low Swimming Trophy Awarded to the school with the greatest number of points in swimming competitions;
Inaugurated in 2005
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
The Jeff Maybee Trophy for Field Events Awarded to the school with the greatest number of points in field events, excluding the Chariot Race;
Inaugurated in 2005
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Chariot Race Trophy
(formerly the SCI Chariot Races Trophy)
Awarded to the school with the fastest chariot race time ;
Inaugurated in 1968
Current Winner: Humberside Collegiate Institute
Girls' Chariot Race Trophy
Awarded to the school with the fastest girls' chariot race time ;
Inaugurated in 2006?
Current Winner: St. Clement's School
Discus Ultimus Trophy Awarded to the school that achieves first place in the Discus Ultimus competition;
Inaugurated in 2006
Current Winner: Humberside Collegiate Institute
O.S.C.C. Certamen Navale Trophy Awarded to the school that achieves first place in the Certamen Navale/Rafting competition;
Inaugurated in 2012
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Ontario Student Classics Conference Top Athlete Awarded to the student with the greatest number of points in individual athletic competitions;
Inaugurated in 1988
Current Winner: Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, University of Toronto Schools
Latin Conference Athletic Award Awarded to the school with the greatest number of points in athletic competitions;
Inaugurated in 1974
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Top Per Capita Athletic Trophy Awarded to the school that achieves the greatest number of points (per capita) in Athletic competitions;
Inaugurated in 2004
Current Winner: Branksome Hall
CREATIVE
Award (as of 2016) Description
Chariot Design Trophy Awarded to the school with the highest score in the Chariot Design Competition (New or Refurbished);
Inaugurated in 2003
Current Winner: Elmwood School
Moushmegh Bouzbouzian
Memorial Scrapbook Trophy
Donated by the London Family whose daughters attended York Mills Collegiate;
Inaugurated 1998
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
School Display Trophy Awarded to the school with the highest score in the School Display Competition;
Inaugurated in 2003
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
J.F. Kett Trophy for Archaeology Presented in his memory by the Chippewa Latin Club in 1977
Current Winner: Toronto French School
Barrie North Classics Drama Award Awarded to the school that achieves first place in the Skit Competition;
Inaugurated in 1980
Current Winner: Toronto French School
Margaret-Anne Gillis Award for Fashion Show
(formerly the Classics Conference Fashion Show Trophy)
Awarded to the school that achieves first place in the Fashion Show competition;
Donated by the Barrie Central Classics Club in 1997;
Inaugurated in 1998
Current Winner: Elmwood School
Sheila M. Ellison Creative Student Award Donated by Margaret-Anne Gillis and Elizabeth Ellison in memory of their mother, Sheila M. Ellison;
Awarded to the student with the greatest number of points in individual Creative events;
Inaugurated in 2003
Current Winner: Elmwood School
Mary Wase Creative Award Mary Wase was a teacher of English and Latin at Barrie Central Collegiate who donated the award to recognize the school with the greatest number of points in Creative events;
Inaugurated in 1988
Current Winner: Elmwood School
Top Per Capita Creative Award Awarded to the school that achieves the greatest number of points (per capita) in Creative events;
Inaugurated in 2004
Current Winner: Elmwood School
OVERALL
Award (as of 2016) Description
Phoenix Animus Ludorum Awarded to the school which best demonstrates the "spirit of the games" through adherence to the Conference mission statement "mens sana in corpore sano";
Inaugurated in 2006
Current Winner: St. Clement's School
Thomson Award Awarded to the school with the highest points per capita at Classics Conference;
Presented by David and Mary Thomson C.I. in 1991
Current Winner: Elmwood School
Phyllis Morgan Trophy
for Overall Excellence at Classics Conference
Awarded to the school with the greatest number of points overall;
Inaugurated in 1972
Current Winner: University of Toronto Schools
Ontario Student Classics Conference
Host Trophy
Awarded to the school hosting the next OSCC;
Inaugurated in 2005
Current Winner: North Toronto Collegiate Institute, Toronto French School
Minerva Award Awarded to any individual who in at least one individual event receives placements each in Creative, Athletic and Academic competitions;
Inaugurated in 2007
Current Winner: Humberside Collegiate Institute, Markham District High School, North Toronto Collegiate Institute

Conferences by year

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Listed below are the locations, hosts and themes for each of the past OSCC conventions (as of 2016).

Year Location Host Theme
2020
(52nd Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute,
Waterloo Collegiate Institute
"plus insciens quis fecit quam prudens boni"
("A person has done more good unknowingly than knowingly")
Plautus, Captivi, prologue 45
2019
(51st Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
University of Toronto Schools "forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit..."
("Perhaps, someday, we shall be glad to remember even these things...")
Virgil, Aeneid I. 203
2018
(50th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Innisdale Secondary School, Elmwood School It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, but because we do not dare that things are difficult
2017
(49th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
North Toronto Collegiate Institute, Toronto French School "γνῶθι σεαυτόν"+"μηδέν άγαν"
("Know thyself"+"Nothing in excess")
Inscription at Delphi
2016
(48th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
St. Clement's School "The wise indeed learn much from their foes"
2015
(47th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute "ubi concordia, ibi victoria"
("Where there is harmony, there is victory.")
Publilius Syrus, Sententiae
2014
(46th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Humberside Collegiate Institute
Branksome Hall
"ἴωμεν, ὅπως ἐπεγγελάσωμεν. ξείνων δ᾽ εὖ πρασσόντων ἔσαναν αὐτίκ᾽ἐσλοί".
("Come let us laugh! When friends are successful the noble immediately smile.")
Plutarch, Moralia (Dialogue on Love) and Pindar, Olympian
2013
(45th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute "serit arbores quae saeclo prosint alteri"
("He plants trees to be useful to another generation")
Caecilius Statius
2012
(44th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Barrie Central Collegiate Institute "faber est suae quisque fortunae"
("Each person is the creator of his/her own destiny")
Appius Claudius Caecus
2011
(43rd Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
The Linden School "haec res et iungit iunctos et servat amicos"
("This is how to make friends and keep them made")
Horace, Satires
2010
(42nd Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Waterloo Collegiate Institute "Citius, Altius, Fortius"
("Swifter, Higher, Stronger")
Pierre de Coubertin, Olympic motto
2009
(41st Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Markham District High School
Banting Memorial High School
"Regia res est succurrere lapsis
— δόσιs δ'ỏλίγη τε фίλη τε"
("It's a kingly act to help those who fall
— the gift is still precious though be it small"
Ovid, Epistulae ex Ponto and Homer, The Odyssey
2008
(40th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
St. Clement's School "Festina lente"
("Make haste slowly")
2007
(39th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
University of Toronto Schools "ὃ τι καλόν φίλον άεί"
("A thing of beauty is a joy forever")
Euripides, The Bacchae
2006
(38th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Elmwood School "De his factis in perpetuum dicant"
("Let them speak of these deeds forever!")
2005
(37th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
North Toronto Collegiate Institute
Toronto French School
"χαλεπα τα καλα"
("Fine things are difficult")
Plato, Hippias Major
2004
(36th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Barrie Central Collegiate Institute "Fides et pietas"
("Faith and piety")
2003
(35th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Humberside Collegiate Institute "Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas"
("Happy is he who is able to know the causes of things")
VirgilGeorgics
2002
(34th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Leaside High School "Mirabile dictu"
("Marvellous to speak of!")
VirgilGeorgics
2001
(33rd Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Elmwood School "σε θυμω τερψομαι εισοροων νεον αλλοθεν ενδον εοντα"
("Let me feast my eyes on the wanderer just home")
Homer, The Odyssey
2000
(32nd Annual)
University of Guelph
GuelphOntario
University of Toronto Schools "Bona iam peractis iungite fata"
("Link happy destinies to those already past")
Horace, Odes
1999
(31st Annual)
University of Guelph
GuelphOntario
Bishop Strachan School "Facilis descensus Averno"
("Easy is the descent to the underworld")
Virgil, Aeneid
1998
(30th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
Barrie Central Collegiate Institute "Multas per gentes et multa per aequora"
("Across many lands and across many seas")
Catullus, Catullus 101
1997
(29th Annual)
Brock University
St. CatharinesOntario
O'Neill Collegiate "Vivamus atque amemus"
("Let us live and let us love")
Catullus, Catullus 5
1996
(28th Annual)
Queen's University
KingstonOntario
Leaside High School "Integer vitae"
("The upright life")
Horace, Odes
1995
(27th Annual)
Queen's University
KingstonOntario
Barrie Central Collegiate Institute "Fortuna fortibus favet"
("Fortune favours the brave")
1994
(26th Annual)
Trent University
PeterboroughOntario
Banting Memorial High School "Mens sana in corpore sano"
("A healthy mind in a healthy body")
Juvenal, Satires
1993
(25th Annual)
Trent University
PeterboroughOntario
Branksome Hall "Ad astra"
("To the stars")
Virgil, Aeneid
1992
(24th Annual)
University of Waterloo
WaterlooOntario
Elmira District High School "Amor omnia vincit"
("Love conquers all")
Virgil, Eclogues
1991
(23rd Annual)
University of Waterloo
WaterlooOntario
David and Mary Thomson Collegiate
1990
(22nd Annual)
Queen's University
KingstonOntario
Elmwood School
1989
(21st Annual)
Queen's University
KingstonOntario
Bishop Strachan School "Pax Romana"
("The Roman Peace")
1988
(20th Annual)
Barrie North Collegiate Institute
BarrieOntario
Barrie North Collegiate Institute
1987
(19th Annual)
Barrie North Collegiate Institute
BarrieOntario
Brantford Collegiate Institute "Feste Romana"
("A Roman Festival")
1986
(18th Annual)
Havergal College
TorontoOntario
Havergal College "Nunc aut numquam"
("Now or Never")
1985
(17th Annual)
Banting Memorial High School
AllistonOntario
Banting Memorial High School
1984
(16th Annual)
Barrie Central Collegiate Institute
BarrieOntario
Barrie Central Collegiate Institute The Olympic Games
1983
(15th Annual)
York Mills Collegiate Institute
TorontoOntario
York Mills Collegiate Institute
1982
(14th Annual)
Park Street Collegiate Institute
OrilliaOntario
Park Street Collegiate Institute
1981
(13th Annual)
Banting Memorial High School
AllistonOntario
Banting Memorial High School
1980
(12th Annual)
Barrie North Collegiate Institute
BarrieOntario
Barrie North Collegiate Institute
1979
(11th Annual)
Chippewa High School
North BayOntario
Chippewa High School "Annus liberorum"
(UNESCO - "Year of the Child")
1978
(10th Annual)
Banting Memorial High School
AllistonOntario
Banting Memorial High School
1977
(9th Annual)
1976 No conference was held this year.
1975
(8th Annual)
Chippewa High School
North BayOntario
Chippewa High School
1974
(7th Annual)
Chippewa High School
North BayOntario
Chippewa High School
1973
(6th Annual)
Barrie North Collegiate Institute
BarrieOntario
Barrie North Collegiate Institute
1972
(5th Annual)
1971
(4th Annual)
Chippewa High School
North BayOntario
Chippewa High School
1970
(3rd Annual)
New Liskeard High School
Temiskaming ShoresOntario
New Liskeard High School
1969
(2nd Annual)
Korah Collegiate
Sault Ste. MarieOntario
Korah Collegiate
1968
(1st Annual)

References

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  1. ^ "The Ontario Student Classics Conference". OntClassics.org - September 2007. Internet Archive: Wayback Machine. 2010. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
  2. ^ "Exemplary Teacher: Mary McBride A Classic!". Professionally Speaking. Ontario College of Teachers. September 2005. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
    • Elliott, Kathleen (May 14, 2000). "Archeological work part of the fun; Classics conference has students digging the past". Daily Mercury. Torstar. p. A4 - News.
  3. ^ a b c "Ontario Student Classics Conference Guidebook - General Information: Revised August 2009" (PDF). ClassicsConference.org. Ontario Student Classics Conference (OSCC). 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2010. [dead link]
  4. ^ "Ontario Student Classics Conference". Ontario Classical Association (OCA). Queen's Printer for Ontario. 2001. Archived from the original on July 27, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
  5. ^ "Ontario Student Classics Conference Guidebook - Academic Competitions" (PDF). ClassicsConference.org. Ontario Student Classics Conference (OSCC). 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2010. [dead link]
  6. ^ a b c "Can't beat the classics". Daily Mercury. Torstar. May 12, 2000. p. A9 - News.
    • "Gathering features chariots, slingshots". The Record. Torstar. May 16, 2000. p. B5 - Lifestyles.
    • McCarthy, Eugene (May 10, 1999). "Classics conference filled with Latin lovers". The Record. Torstar. p. B1 - Local.
  7. ^ "Ontario Student Classics Conference Guidebook - Athletic Competitions" (PDF). ClassicsConference.org. Ontario Student Classics Conference (OSCC). 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2010. [dead link]
  8. ^ "Ontario Student Classics Conference Guidebook - Creative Competitions" (PDF). ClassicsConference.org. Ontario Student Classics Conference (OSCC). 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2010. [dead link]
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