Klaassen Corner

Yesterday, I arrived early to get set up for the pancake breakfast and fell into what could only be described as a familiar rhythm. Perhaps it was my years here as a teacher, but I found myself smiling as I moved propane canisters, grills and plugged in the roasters. Soon, more people began to arrive; students and staff eager to contribute to the success of the day. Quickly, things were working like clockwork and the community began to fill the gym - a familiar buzz emanating into the halls. Over the past few weeks, there have been so many of these moments where we have come together as a community and celebrated.

First, we gathered with the elementary school to do Tom's Walk together. This walk is an important one in my life and also an event that Black Gold has chosen to sponsor. Tom and his mother, Kelly, were both long-time members of the Thorsby community and I had the good fortune to teach Tom in grade seven. Tom's tragic death and Kelly's journey after it are both constant reminders to me of the impact we are able to make on those around us on a daily basis through very simple actions and how if we provide those actions for others our lives will end up being enriched.

Next, we had Grad 2023 where I was once again reminded of the beauty of celebrating our accomplishments together. As people filed into the grad, it was clear to see the joy coming together brings to everyone. From family dinners to grad photos to breaking bread together, it all contributes to the community. So it was when we were cleaning up after the pancake breakfast yesterday that I began musing over the fabulous community that is Thorsby and the gift it is to be a school within it. Thank you so much for sharing something so valuable as your children with us - they bring so much joy!

Respectfully,

Justin Klaassen

Congratulations Class of 2023

Congratulations to our Grade 12's who celebrated their graduation ceremony and dinner last Friday. We are very proud of all of your accomplishments!

Our Breakfast Program THANKS YOU!

Thank you to all the staff, students, and community members who joined us for our Pancake Breakfast on Thursday! The turnout was even greater than we had hoped!

A huge thank you to our school trustee, Michelle Martin, Matt Ruhr and Darcy & Brandon Powlik for cooking sausages, flipping pancakes and scrambling eggs!

A huge Sabre thank you to Darcy Powlik and JL Filtration Operating in Leduc for their generous contributions! We were able to raise over $1800 to help support the program.

WANTED: International Student Host Families for next school year!

This year we were lucky enough to host students from Columbia and we are looking to host international students again next year!

If you would be interested in being a host family, please email justin.klaassen@blackgold.ca.

Final Exam/PAT/Diploma Schedule - May/June 2023

Please visit this link to access the final exam schedule dates and times.

The Wellness Beat:
National Health & Fitness Day

Saturday, June 3 is National Health and Fitness Day this year, and Canadians from coast to coast are encouraged to get up, get out and get active!

Take a friend for a stroll. Walk or bike in the park for a bit of fresh air. Take a break with your family to play outdoors. Share your activities with other Canadians using the hashtag #LetsMoveCanada. Why? Because exercise is good for our physical and mental wellbeing and contributes to lifelong health and well-ness. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

Dodgeball Intramural

The tournament is underway and it looks to be anyone's game.

We have 5 team's signed up this year (Devious Dusters, The Dodgeball Busters, Spiderman's GF, Team Random, and Mason's Minions). All of the teams have a chance to take home points for their house!

Good luck to all, epecially my own team (Mason's Minions).

Athletics

This year's athletics are now complete. We finished the year with some awesome efforts on the track! Eva in grade 9 and Kendrick in grade 8 both came in the top to at the Leduc track meet and were eligible to compete in the final zone track meet., Unfortunately Kendrick could not go, but Eva went and competed for Thorsby in the shot put event for senior girls and beat everyone! She threw an amazing 10.03m to win the event! Congratulations to her!

In the senior zone track meet we had 4 athletes compete (Tyra, Jenna, Colin, and Flynn). All of them did really well at the zone meet and both Jenna and Colin claimed medals, with Colin getting two gold medals in the shot put and the discus. Colin also went on to compete in Provincials and we will find out his placings over the weekend.

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

Grad 2024

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

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, June 12 at 6:30 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.