Klaassen Corner

What seems like forever ago when I last took a trip to Marmot Basin with the students of Thorsby Jr/Sr High. Perhaps in 2015 and at that time I most certainly did not consider that it might be my last trip! It wasn't until I stepped on the bus that it all flooded back. The goofy kids on the bus, riding the lift and talking about dreams, laughing in the chalet, watching kids explore the natural world! It has been so nice to take one more lap.

For me, this is what was missed most during COVID. While the classroom plays a pivotal role in what we do, it is only when outside of the classroom interaction is taken into account can we truly create culture. I feel grateful to be reminded of this twice a day, every day at the school where the staff take the time to greet the students of the school both at the beginning and the end of the day. I don't necessarily think that the staff considers this consciously, but I can see the difference it makes to our students. Your children. Perhaps it is as John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens while we are busy doing other things."

Today I am reminded how amazing life is when we step back from being busy, look around and are reminded how great life truly is. I hope that you are afforded that chance as well!

Respectfully,

Justin Klaassen

What's coming up at THS

April 13-14: Marmot Ski Trip

April 19: Grade 7 & 8 Complementary Course Presentation - Forms Due April 21st

April 19 & 20: Parent-Teacher Interviews

April 24: Parent Council Meeting 7:00 pm

April 26: Grade 10 Orientation Night & Registration (current grade 9's and parents) - Start time: 6:00pm

April 28: Professional Learning Day (School Closed)

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday, April 19 and Thursday April 20 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Parents/guardians can book appointments here. thorsby.schoolappointments.com/

Registration Notes: April 17-21

All current grade 9, 10 and 11 students have received their course planners. These are due back to their teachers with parent signature by April 21, 2023.
All current grade 7 and 8 students will receive their complementary course request forms next Wednesday, April 19. These are due back Thursday, April 20 with parent signature.
Current grade 9 students and their parents are invited to an Orientation Evening, which will include computer registration for next year on Wednesday, April 26, starting at 6pm in the gym.
Dual Credit Courses: Save money and earn credits! Dual Credit is an opportunity for students to take entry-level post-secondary classes with partnering institutions and earn both post-secondary and high school credits. The tuition is paid by Black Gold, but students are responsible for any textbooks required.. For more information, please go to this link.

For questions about registration, please contact Mrs. Hrytsak at trish.hrytsak@blackgold.ca

What's up with Grad 2023?

The Grads are currently trying to wrap up their fundraising activities for the year. They will be having 2 lunch BBQs this month, which will take place at the front of the school. Students, families and community are welcome.
Grad banquet tickets are on sale now. Grads can see Mrs. Raugust in the office to purchase.
Graduation will take place on Friday, May 26 at the Arctic Spas Recreation Complex.

For questions about Grad, contact either of the teacher coordinators. kim.vansteenis@blackgold.ca or shelley.gramlich@blackgold.ca

Grad 2024

The Grade 11s met this week to kick off their fundraising for next year. They will be looking into a number of fundraising opportunities.
We are looking for a couple of parent volunteers to act as fundraising coordinators.

For questions about Grad, contact either of the teacher coordinators. kim.vansteenis@blackgold.ca or shelley.gramlich@blackgold.ca

Post-Secondary and Career Counselling

Mrs. van Steenis is still encouraging high school students to book counselling appointments in the afternoons. She can help them with the following:

Utilize MyBlueprint
Plan for post-secondary
Apply for college/university
Access scholarships and grants
Apply for student loans

For more information come see her in Room 113 or email kim.vansteenis@blackgold.ca

Summer Work Experience and RAP

Mrs. van Steenis has opened enrollment for summer off campus. This program is open from June-August for High School Students. If you're already working...why not earn credits too? Please see her to sign up and receive your application package. She will be taking names and signing up students until May 31st on a first come first served basis.

For more information come see her in Room 113 or email kim.vansteenis@blackgold.ca

Athletics

Badminton

Badminton is next week for both the Junior High students and the Senior Highs. First off we have a tournament in Leduc for the juniors. The students will go to a specific school and compete after school on Tuesday, April 18th. If they do well the could move on to the LDAA finals.

Senior highs compete on Wednesday, April 19th at the Saville Center in Edmonton. If they are top two in their category they compete the following Wednesday for the Zone Championships.

Good luck to all of our athletes!

The Wellness Beat

Over the course of semester two, we will be looking at different areas of wellness throughout the school. March is Nutrition month and so we will feature some ideas around that area. Here at TJSHS, Mr Feil has taken on the Wellness role and is trying to get as many people involved as possible. Keep your eye on the Wellness Beat section for Wellness ideas and information.

Financial Awareness Month

This month is financial awareness month. Please take a look at the hints, tips, and suggestions in this section to potentially learn some information.

Taxes are due! The 2022 return needs to by filed on or before April 30th this year. Make sure you do those, send those to your accountants, or do whatever you normally do to make sure you don't miss the deadline.

If you want to know more about taxes, please check out the following website:

Learn about your taxes (CRA)

There are various courses to take and they will provide knowledge about taxes and other information.

Students can check out the link below and engage in a competition that could potentially earn them some money but also increases their knowledge on future careers. The competition is coming up and it is a great chance to learn more information about various careers.

Let's Talk Careers: Canada's Most Informed Student Competition

April 17 - May 26 | Grades 6-12 | French and English | $32,500 in cash prizes for students and schools

Dodgeball Intramural

Starting at the end of the month we will be doing a dodgeball intramural. Students can sign up in teams of 5 or sign up as free agents to compete in the tournament. They will be competing in regular dodgeball (like the movie). If you get hit, you are out. If your teammate catches a ball thrown by the other team, a person who is out gets back in and the person who threw it is out.

The winning team will earn spirit points for their house and will take on 5 staff members!

Good luck!

Growing Smiles Fundraiser

Our Student Union is selling summer flowers using the Growing Smiles Fundraiser. These plants are historically healthy and long lasting. Well worth your money! Please consider supporting our Student Union. Orders are due April 25 and will be available for pick up on May 9.

Check out the link here.

Growing Smiles

Subway and Hot Lunch

Subway subs are available for $5.50 every Wednesday. Orders must be placed and paid for before 10:00am on Monday. Order forms are on your child's Powerschool.. Parents can now order for more than one week at a time. Order forms are available through the middle of June

This year, the Elementary has once again invited us to partake in their hot lunch program. Menu items are posted weekly in our weekly news memo. All items are $4.00. We will also accept TES lunch tokens. Hot lunch coupon forms are now available on Power School. They are available to purchase singularly or in groups of 5, 10, 20 and 30.

Parent Council

Our Parent Council meets monthly at the school. All parents of students enrolled at our school are welcome to attend.! Our next meeting will be held on Monday, April 24 at 7:00 pm. We are in need of a parent to step up and take over the position of President!

Bus App

Not sure if your child's bus is running? Download the app! Details on how to do this can be found here:

Yearbooks

2021-2022 yearbooks are available in the Office for $40. These can also be paid for on your child's Powerschool account. You can also preorder the 2022-2023 yearbooks online for $40.

Spirit Wear

We have teamed up with Entripy clothing for our Spirit Wear. They have an amazing selection and prompt service. Delivery is free with all orders over $99. Ordering instructions can be found here. The home page for our Entripy shop is here.