Klaassen Corner

As I write this we are at the tail end of our January exam week. Moments ago I watched our students file into the gym as I was thinking about all the learning that had taken place over the term and how these students were going to display it today. In some ways, it is not that different than spending hours practicing a sport and then coming to game day. While I think that exams sometimes cause angst for our students, it is perhaps a good thing to learn to play in the game but knowing that one game does not define a person and that there is always an opportunity to once again practice before stepping onto the playing field. Recently I read an article surrounding how we use marks and their value as feedback regarding a student's understanding of the curriculum. If you are interested, you can find the link to the article HERE.

At our most recent School Council Meeting, I had the opportunity to review this year's Assurance Plan with the group. One of the things that we will be working on will be providing more information to all of you regarding the programs within the school and the opportunities for students once they leave our halls. Over the next few weeks, you will see a section of the newsletter dedicated to post-secondary opportunities one week and in-school programming the following! This week we are starting with both! Some post-secondary information from Olds college and a Green Certificate meeting notice. You can find the information below! We have also created a Wellness position at the school and you will see updates from Ms. Hyrtsak and Mr. Feil as we work to promote the wellness of both staff and students in the building. This week speaks to meal planning!

Finally, as part of creating wellness time for Mr. Feil, we are welcoming Mr. Heise to the team! He will be teaching some Jr High Phys Ed as well as some Grade 7 ELA/Health. Mr. Heise has been a prominent sub within the building and has worked hard to create relationships with the students. If you would like to get to know him a bit, we did a fun little interview with him that you can find below!

As always, feel free to reach out anytime if you have any questions!

Respectfully,

Justin Klaassen

What's up, Mrs. H? Best Intentions - Round Two!

Well, semester two is here! High School students are changing all of their classes and Junior High students are changing their complementary courses,. This is an opportunity to make some changes if you want to improve your grades, your work submission, or perhaps your attendance.

Often I hear students say they want higher grades, but they don't study. Developing a study routine instead of cramming for a test is what allows you to become more effective with reviewing material and not having to do SO much when the "big" test comes.

Breathe and stretch as you study: breathing techniques are one of the quickest and easiest ways to relieve tension in the body and calm the mind.
Become a pro at time management: take short breaks after 45 minutes of studying and then resume.
Cut out distractions: put your social media in another room!
Take breaks outside.
Get your heart pumping: this will help you focus when you resume studying!
Talk it out: study with a classmate
Get your study snacks right: avoid caffeine and high sugar content.

And finally, the night before the test - get a good sleep! Plug your device(s) in outside of your bedroom so you don't wind up down the TikTok or YouTube rabbit hole!

Welcome Mr. Heise!

I am Dakota Heise and I am very excited to be joining the Thorsby community. I grew up and still live in Edmonton. Growing up I played a variety of sports. Sports gave me the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community and this is where I found my love for teaching. When I am not teaching I spend my time training for the national handball team and spending time with my wife and two dogs. This semester I will have the pleasure to teach Physical Education, English, and Health. I am excited for the next chapter in my teaching career!

Now for the fun stuff!

Mr. Heise, what obscure thing are you talented at?

I can juggle which I think is pretty cool.

Mr. Heise, what’s a common saying that you don’t understand or that you think is odd?

Break a Leg!

Mr. Heise, if one of your parents was the president, what would be their first law?

Everyone must take a driving instruction course before they can get their license.

Mr. Heise, what fictional character would you be best friends with in real life?

I'll go with Tony Stark/ Iron man here. Superheros are pretty sweet and the technology he comes up with is crazy.

Mr. Heise, if someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

"The Adventure", because you never know what the next door that opens will be.

Welcometo the team, Mr. Heise!

Lifelong Learning: Post-Secondary - NEW Programs

Olds College is launching a new Bachelor of Digital Agriculture Degree as well as an Equine Care & Management Certificate. This may be of interest to students who are taking the Veterinary Dual Credit courses, or other students who are interested in a future career in business, leadership and agriculture.

Bachelor or Digital Agriculture Degree Overview: With a focus on leadership and management, this four-year program explores solutions to real-world problems using digital agriculture technologies and practices that are centered on sustainability, including social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Equine Care & Management Certificate Overview: Turn your passion for horses into an exciting and rewarding career in the equine sector, with the one year Equine Care & Management certificate program. Through this program, you will learn foundational knowledge and skills of equine behaviour and handling, management of horses and horse herds, how to respond when first aid is required and how to communicate effectively within the equine industry.
For those interested in riding, you will have the opportunity to select riding courses for your electives. Should you wish to participate in the riding component, you will be required to bring your own horse(s) and are responsible for their care on-campus. Further, you would be responsible for all applicable horse boarding expenses.

Both of these programs will be part of the Preview Days on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities led by faculty. enjoy a complimentary lunch, and apply free for Fall 2023. Individual registrations are now being accepted.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Aubrey Price by emailing recruitment@oldscollege.ca.

Virtual Presentations

We will be having a virtual post-secondary education information session hosted by Augustana University on February 6 at 10:00 am in Ms Turner's classroom

We will also be having a virtual post-secondary education information session hosted by Lakeland College on Feb. 8 at 9am in Room 113. Grade 12 students who choose to attend can get programming information and ask questions. For more contact Mrs. van Steenis kim.vansteenis@blackgold.ca

Green Certificate Informational Meeting

We will be having a Green Certificate informational meeting for students grades 9-11 interested in off-campus agricultural programming. The regional coordinator will be on-site to provide information on the different programs and answer questions on February 15th at 10am in Room 113. For more information, contact Kim van Steenis kim.vansteenis@blackgold.ca

The Wellness Beat

Over the course of semester two, we will be looking at different areas of wellness throughout the school. February is Nutrition month and so we will feature some ideas around nutrition. Here at TJSHS, Mrs. Hrytsak is our wellness coordinator and Mr. Feil will be stepping up as wellness lead for semester two. Stay tuned for more wellness features and challenges~

Meal Planning 101

Price of groceries causing some stress? Consider meal planning! Here are some simple start up tips that can ease the total at the cash register.

Plan your meals around foods that are on sale. Check store flyers, newspaper inserts and coupon sites online. Consider when things are on sale, you could make some freezer meals. If you are a Facebook user, Demers Meat Deals and more is run by a former butcher who lets you know the best deals at all the major chains.
- Recipe Collections:
  - A month of freezer meals
  - Different types of freezer meals
Check your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. Use up anything that may be expiring.
Know what your family likes to eat. Try to find staple meals that everyone likes and use one or two of those per week.
Post an ongoing grocery list where it’s easy to see and let everyone know to add items to the list as you run out.

Office Talk

Mrs. McLeod is your go-to for anything Powerschool. She can help you change your computer password, help you with your class schedules, those dreadful locks and so much more.

Mrs. Raugust handles all of the fees and forms. Any questions regarding these come straight to her!

We both love seeing your smiling faces every morning and afternoon.. This always makes our days brighter even if we are handing out late slips!

Parent Council

Our Parent Counsil 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, February 13 at 7:00 pm.

What's coming up at THS

January 30: PD Day--no classes

January 31: Semester 2 commences

February 9 and 10: Teachers' Convention--no school

February 20: Family Day--no classes

Learning Commons

Mrs. Raugust spends her mornings in the Learning Commons. She is constantly adding to the collection and welcomes suggestions for new books. She is your go-to for textbooks and novels. Come on in whenever you'd like, she is even open at lunch.! If you need a book in the afternoon, she will gladly help you out!

The Learning Commons is also open in the afternoon for online classes. It's a nice quiet place to get your work done!

Subway and Hot Lunch

Subway suba 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.. The form for subs on February 1 is up on Power School--deadline January 30

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.

Ski Club

We are so excited to have Ski Club up and running again! We will have 6 ski nights and then finish up the season with an overnight trip to Marmot1 All of the forms are up on Power School. Our next ski night is Monday, February 6. All skiing fees must be paid by Thursday, February 2 to allow us time to contact Rabbit Hill.

Grade 9 Immunizations

Please refer to this document for information on Grade 9 Immunizations which will be held on February 15.

Meyer's Driving School

See the poster for details for Meyer's Driving School

Calling all Youth

Check out this exciting opportunity for our youth!

GRAD 2023 BOTTLE DRIVE FUNDRAISER

Grad Bottle Fundraiser

Check out the poster to get more information on the Grad 2023 Bottle Drive.

They are also collecting batteries. Please contact Hannah or Ashna for details!

Grad News

Check out all of the info you need for Grad 2023 on the website or click this link.

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.

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