Saying farewell to another year!

As I pulled into the parking lot this morning, the sun was shining and the dew on the grass in the field looked like a million diamonds strewn across the grass. It reminded me of the first time I came to Thorsby Jr/Sr High to interview for the shop position in 2005. At that moment, I took a big breath of fresh Thorsby air as I listened to the birds singing and reflected on what a beautiful canvas this was - a school to be painted on. That same canvas still exists today and Thorsby is still a fabulous school surrounded by a great community. This thought resonates with me as we wrap up another school year. Part of that wrap-up is our exams. Staff packing up rooms, lockers being cleaned out, graduates walking out one last time and our students doing their best on their exams even as they are looking ahead to the summer!

I always remind myself of the Muhammed Ali quote this time of year, "Don't count the days, make the days count". This quote has served me well many times and has reminded me to be in the present. I will be sure to carry this with me into my summer too. I will be taking the opportunity to spend time with my kids, ride my bike and get dusty in my shop. I would encourage you to enjoy what summer brings to you as well. Get out, stay in, sleep a lot or check things off your list. Whatever brings you joy. Then, when school begins in the fall, be present there, because there will be opportunities for both parents and students to engage in what is an important piece of this fabulous Thorsby community. I truly hope that you will take the time to put your touch upon the canvas of the school whether that be one more diamond on the grass, or a smiling face as you welcome new staff to the building.

Thank you so much for the time we have shared together. What started as a provisional stay turned into something more permanent and every day I was reminded of the beauty of this school and community. Have the best summer and a great fall!

Respectfully,

Justin Klaassen

Important Dates to Remember

June 26: Social 7, 8, 9 and K&E 9, Math 20-1 & 20-2, Physics 30
June 27: Science 7, 8, 9 and K&E 9, Science 30, High School Makeup

Friday, July 14: Diploma Exam marks available through MyPass
Friday, August 25: High School Timetable Changes
Wednesday, August 30: First Day of school

Summer & September Information

2023-2024 Summer & September Information - Thorsby Junior_Senior High School - Google Docs.pdf

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.
If your child is unable to attend an exam, please contact the office to speak with Mr. Klaassen or Mrs. Hrytsak as soon as possible. Please be advised that diplomas cannot be re-scheduled and would have to be written during the August session.
The form that allows Junior High Students to leave after their exams is up on PowerSchool. Please go in and fill it out. No phone calls will be accepted!

Free online Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Workshop for Parents

In this presentation, Dr. Armida Rubio Fruzzetti will focus on the critical role of parents and caretakers when working with younger children (under 12) who experience behavioural dysregulation.
Dr. Fruzzetti will describe the transactional model, highlighting the transaction - between invalidating environment and emotional dysregulation - which may result in behavioural dysregulation in children.
Through use of this transactional model, listeners will learn skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that parents and caregivers can use for their own emotion regulation and how to validate an exquisitely sensitive child.
Note: If you are unable to attend, the session will be recorded.

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

Bus App

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

Community Clean Up

The grade 7 and grade 9 health classes went out for a community clean-up on the last day of classes with Mr. Heise, Mr. Gourley, Mrs. Witteman, and Miss Turner. Students split up in groups to collect litter from the ground around Thorsby, demonstrating a commitment to environmental wellness, volunteerism, and stewardship of the land. In the spirit of National Indigenous day, students were encouraged to reflect on their relationship with the land. In the end, students were proud to leave the community looking a little cleaner!

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.