Sabre News
Klaassen Corner
Over the last couple of years, there has been a lot of talk about how our ability to connect has been changed by so many things. From masks to distancing to isolation requirements, it has been a challenge to find new paths. So it is that I found myself smiling as I walked amongst a group of junior high students who were musing about my ability to make a three point shot, whether I truly appreciated the fedora they were wearing today, and summer camping plans. This is connection, I mused to myself. No Snap Chat. No Tick Tock.
The reason I was thinking about connection was because of Tom's Walk. Tom's Walk is an opportunity for everyone to look at their own connections. To decide whether they are healthy, if they have the skills to provide a needed connection for someone else, and to be brave enough to accept a connection from a trusted individual if they feel they need it. It reminds me to make a mental note to take stock of my own connections, and to remember to reach out with the skills I have but also to avail myself to help in times of need. A good reminder to all of us.
We will do a school Tom's Walk on May 23rd, just after the long weekend. May Long is a connection time for many people, and I hope that all of you are planning something fabulous as we head into our warm months.
Should you be able to, I would encourage you all to come to the official Tom's Walk in Devon on the 27th as well. You can find more information about it HERE. If you do, make sure to say hi! I'd love to connect!
Respectfully,
Justin Klaassen
What's coming up at THS
May 15: ELA 9 & K&E ELA 9 Part A Exam
May 17: Jr High Track Meet
May 19: No school--PD day
May 22: No school-Victoria Day
May 25: Graduation Rehearsal
May 26: Graduation - Class of 2023
Final Exam/PAT/Diploma Schedule - May/June 2023
Please visit this link to access the final exam schedule dates and times. Please note: Exams start in MAY with the grade 9 ELA PAT.
What's up with Grad 2023?
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
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
Dual Credit is filling up!
Dual Credit is filling up in Black Gold! There are a limited number of spots and they are filled on a first come, first served basis. If you have expressed interest in Dual Credit, but have not yet connected with Mrs. Hrytsak about the exact course(s) - see her ASAP!
CALM 20 Mental Health Painting Day
Congratulations!!
Congratulations to Cole Goodman and Mal Williams on receiving their medals for the Pascal and Cayley national math competitions. Cole was in the top 48% and Mal was in the top 40% of all competitors for their respective contests.
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
The Wellness Beat
Over the course of semester two, we will be looking at different areas of wellness throughout the school. 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.
Mental Health Month
What is mental health?
Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well being. You cannot see any physical signs of mental health issues but it can present itself in the way someone thinks, feels, and acts.
Mental health can also determine the way we handle every day stress, relate to others, and how we make choices in our lives.
Facts about Mental Health Problems & Illness
Suicide is the second leading causer of death among youth and young adults.
1 in 5 people every year will personally experience mental health problems or illness
Eating disorder affect around 1 million people per year.
Website
Use this website to learn more about mental health and to get useful resources about mental health.
Athletics
Wahoo! It is super nice outside and that means Track and Field time.
Wednesday May 17 will be the track meet for the junior highs at Thorsby. All students must take part in it as it is part of their track and field unit grade for PE. The students will take part in a minimum of 2/3 throwing events, 2/3 jumping events, ad 2/5 running events. They are more than welcome to do all of the events if the wish!
Those who perform the best will have the opportunity to go to the LDAA track meet in Leduc on May 23.
Senior High track is starting as well. Anyone interested in participating in that are to speak with Mr. Feil or Mr. Gourley. Their NCASAA Zone track meet would be on May 25 at Foote Field.
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).
Who won the first ever House Cup at TJSHS?
During the 2022/2023 school year we decided to tweak our spirit point system.
Instead of having each grade compete against one another, we changed it up so that 1/6 of each class was put on to a house team. We have team white, team purple, team red, team yellow, team green, and team blue. Each team consists of a variety of people from all 6 grades as well as 3-4 staff members.
Throughout the year we had contests and special events that took place and the houses competed against one another for points. The team with the most points at the end of the year will recieve a prize. Our last competition to count for this year's points is a tug of war contest that occurred today at lunch.
The winner of this year's house cup will be decided on Monday with Team White taking on Team Yellow in a tie breaker challenge that is TBD!
The winning team wins the prize of a movie! They will be heading to Leduc Cinema on June 8th to watch a movie and have some pop and popcorn!
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 tentavely on Monday, May 15 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.
Community Events
