Important Dates to Remember

Monday, December 18: Holiday Head Gear

Tuesday, December 19: Christmas Photo Booth

Wednesday, December 20: Ugly Sweater Day, Student v. Staff Hockey Game and Locker Clean Out

Thursday, December 21: Red & White Day

Friday, December 22: PJ Day

Winter Holidays: December 23, 2023 until January 7, 2024

*Wednesday, January 10, 2024: English 30-1 & 30-2 Part A Diploma Exam*

Principal's Report

Firstly, Happy Hanukkah! As I write this it is December 15th which, in 2023, marks the last day of Hanukkah.

As we move into the last week before Christmas there's a lot going on in Sabre Country. All our basketball teams are either practicing or playing and Senior Boys plays their first home game with tip off at 5 (apologies for not posting the particulars of the Junior Girls first home game) Wednesday with tip off at 5pm.

Ski Club is off for their first run this coming Monday, and Monday also marks the beginning of Christmas Spirit Week. We're kicking things off with Holiday Headgear! Students are encouraged to wear their elf ears, antlers, Santa hats or more!!!

Daniel.

Junior High Midterm/Senior High Final Exam Schedule

Please follow this link for the exam schedule.
All final exams must be written at their scheduled time. If you are unable to write for some reason, a parent must contact Mrs. Hrytsak directly to make alternate arrangements. Please note that we absolutely cannot move diploma exams.
- If a diploma is missed, again, parents must contact Mrs. Hrytsak or Mr. Hodges and the student will have to write in April.
If you have a conflict between two exams, please contact your teacher and Mrs. Hrytsak to make alternate arrangements.

Rise and Shine: The Power of Regular Attendance

What does attendance help improve at school? Lots!

1) Access to Resources: If you attend, get the lesson(s) from your teacher(s) and have access to them during class time, this increases your exposure to their expertise. It also helps teachers better understand where your challenges might be and how they can better help you.

2) Time Management Skills: Utilizing class time allows for more free time following the school day and often eliminates homework..

Hockey Hooky

This year we will be taking the students to Rogers Place to attend Hockey Hooky on February 21 put on by the Edmonton Oil Kings. This will give students the opportunity to see careers related to sport, from athletes to broadcasting and everything in between. The field trip relates to our Physical education and CTF curriculums. Please check your children's powerschool for their field trip forms and all related information! Forms and payment are due December 22

Silkscreening

The students in Mrs. G's computer class have been having fun with the silkscreening. There have been some pretty impressive projects coming out of the silkscreening room!

Student Enrollment Verification

A couple of weeks ago we sent out your students' details for verification. If you find a spare minute getting those as early as possible is very helpful. You can find them in the parent portal on the left side in the menu there. Thank you in advance, we appreciate your help.

New Canadian Crisis Helpline - 988

There is a new nation wide suicide crisis helpline that went live Thursday, November 30. You can call or text 24/7/365. Not only is this a great resource for anyone who is having thoughts of suicide, but it is also there for anyone who is concerned about anyone else.

As the holiday season ramps up, we recognize it is not an easy time for everyone. Please reach out if you or a loved one needs support.

More information Below

- https://988.ca/
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/988-hotline-mental-health-canada-1.7043603

Office to Advance Women Apprentices

Edmonton will be getting an office soon!

This initiative, funded by the Government of Canada, if an innovative approach to enhance the success of women in trades. The phone number is accessible both to call and text!
If you are a young woman interested in the trades, check them out.

Fundraising in Our Community

All active fundraisers will be listed here and will indicate what group they support, who you can contact for more information and when deadlines are.

Battery Fundraiser - Grad 2024 (until January 15, 2024)
- Do you have old batteries laying around? Contact any graduate to have them pick up your batteries for recycling!
Bottle Collection - Grad 2024 (ongoing)
- Smelly bottles and cans cluttering your space? Contact any graduate to get them picked up or they can be taken in to the Thorsby Bottle Depot and ask to be put towards the Thorsby Grad 2024 fundraiser.

Citizenship Opportunity

Weekly Round Up

Subway and Hot Lunch

We wil once again be offering Subway subs on Wednesdays this year. Orders and money are due on the Monday prior at 10:00 am. Subs are $5.50 and can be purchased at the Office or online.. Our next Sub order will be on December 20 so orders are due December 18

We are fortunate to be able to participate in the Hot Lunch program with the Elementary School. Individual entres are $4. Students can also purchase groups of Hot Lunch tickets online..

Ski Club is Back!

Mrs. McLeod has been busy planning Ski Club for this winter! She has booked all of the dates for ski nights and for the Ski trip to Marmot Basin in March. Check out the days here. All levels of skiers are welcome to come out! Fees and forms are up on Power School

December 18

January 18

February 5 and 15

March 4 and 13

Marmot Basin--March 21/22

Work Ex and RAP Programs

If you are interested in the RAP or Work Ex Program, come see Miss Powlik. She has all of the paperwork and can answer any questions you might have.

Health and Safety in Our School

Vaping is of particular concern, not only at our school but in schools across the world. Our hope is that together with parents and other stakeholders we can increase knowledge of the effects of vaping and, by doing so, reduce their consumption

I have included links to several resources below as well as a link to our statement of fair notice regarding the consequences for failing to adhere to the rules related to illegal substances I have outlined above.

Fair Notice on Vaping For Thorsby Junior Senior High School

Gov't of Canada: Consequences of Vaping

What we do and don't know about vaping

What vaping does to the body

Vaping and Teens GoA

Tobacco and Vaping AHS

Tobacco and Vaping Resources for Teachers AHS

Tip sheet for parents

Bus App

Not sure if your child's bus is running? Download the app! Details on how to do this can be found here: Bus Status 4

Yearbooks

2022-2023 are here!! If you ordered one, come down and get your copy. If you'd like a copy, they are $40 and are available in the Office.. You can also purchase them on your Power school account