Warm winds may gust on the prairies, but here, the wind brings discussions of literature. Tension ran high as Mrs. Reynolds’ Grade 9 English class carried out a heated Canadian style debate over whether or not W.O. Mitchell’s classic Canadian novel, Who Has Seen the Wind, should remain on the Grade 10 curriculum. 

The proposition debaters, Patrick B and Aetheline C, advised expertly by Pascale B, put forth that the values in Who Has Seen the Wind are indescribably valuable for Grade 10 students to learn. They especially emphasized the idea of family, friends and religion. 

The opposition, Kelly A and Katherine P, aided by Lindsay B, vehemently opposed the idea that the novel should be read by Grade 10 students. These debaters shared their opinion with vigour and enthusiasm. It was their belief that death occurred far too frequently in Who Has Seen the Wind, and that the novel was utterly devoid of an engaging plotline. They also enforced that the drugs (Grandpa brandishes a pipe now and again) and violence so openly displayed are not appropriate for Grade 10 readers. 

Points flew back and forth between the debaters like ping pong balls, and when the rallying was done, the judges - those of the class who did not debate - gave their final comments. The moderator, Katrina F, awarded the debate to the opposition. The proposition debaters accepted defeat graciously, and shook hands. 

Be it resolved that the W.O. Mitchell’s Who Has Seen the Wind should not remain on the Grade 10 English curriculum, at least in the opinion of Mrs. Reynolds’ Grade 9 English class.