Important Dates to Remember

February 8 & 9: Teachers Convention (No School)

Monday, February 19: Family Day (No School)

Monday, February 19: Parent Council Meeting @ 5:15pm

Wednesday, February 21: Hockey Hooky (Junior Highs)

Tuesday, February 27: In School Field Trip - Adaptive Sports

Wednesday, February 28: In School Field Trip - Lasting Traditions

Monday, March 4: Skills Canada Presentation

Monday, March 11: Professional Learning Day (No Classes)

Tuesday, March 12: Grade 9 Registration Presentation (in class)

Tuesday, March 12: Grad Retakes

Wednesday, March 13: Grade 10/11 Registration Presentation (in class)

Friday, March 15: Staff/Alumni/Students Basketball Game

Tuesday, March 19: Grade 9 and 11 High School Registrations Due

Wednesday, March 20: Parent Teacher Interviews

Thursday and Friday, March 21/22: Marmot Ski Trip

March 25-29: Spring Break

Principal's Report

Thursday saw the return of students for semester two 2023-2024. As usual there were a few wrinkles here and there but as of today almost all core subject changes have been made. High school credit-based elective changes will be completed next week, and after teachers' convention, junior high option changes will be made.

As I alluded to above, Thursday and Friday next week staff will be engaging in professional development at the annual teacher's convention organised by the North Central Teachers’ Convention Association. Aside from a few off-site opportunities, the convention takes place at the Edmonton Convention Centre.

As many of you will be aware, the elementary school had an issue with their fire deluge system brought about by the extreme cold a few weeks ago. As a result, hundreds of litres of water sprayed over the inside of the portable classrooms and several of the classes have now had to move to the gym. With the elementary gym out of commission we are now sharing ours with them and make sure that everyone gets to stay active in the middle of winter (it is winter, right?!) some of our active/sports classes have been transplanted to the complex.

We're hopeful that this will be a short-term change and, obviously, we will not be making students walk to the complex if we get back down to the bitterly cold temperatures we experienced earlier in the month.

Lastly, but not for the last time, please take the opportunity to complete the #BGSD “Check up - Check in” rural schools survey (Note: this is different to the Assurance Survey below and is tailored to our specific circumstances). If you do you'll help us to reach our goal of being one of the two schools with the highest percentage number of surveys completed. If we are by the closing date of Feb 16 will win $500 to go towards items and activities that will enrich school life for our students!

Alberta Education Assurance Survey

If you haven't already, and you are a parent of a grade 7 or 10 students, you will soon be receiving an invitation from the government of Alberta to participate in the annual Assurance Survey.
This survey gives parents. caregivers, students, and staff the opportunity to let various education stakeholders know about various aspects of the school experience at Thorsby Junior Senior High School.
You can use this link to find out more about this important survey.

Rural Schools Engagement Survey

It’s time for an education check-up! At TJSHS, we're passionate about learning and growing. Help us improve with your input! We value your opinion. Take our quick 5-minute survey now! www.surveymonkey.com/r/bgsd2024checkin-tjshs

Next Parent/Grad Meeting

There will be a grad meeting for parents and students on Monday, February 5 at 7pm in the Band Room.

At this time, we will provide a fundraising update, information about the dinner, and other pertinent information.

Free Counselling for Residents of Leduc County

Eligibility:

Residents must meet two criteria to be eligible for this subsidy:

1) Gross family household income less than $75,000

2) No access to employee insurance benefits.

Sessions & Rates:

3 individual sessions per person OR
6 couple sessions OR
9 family sessions OR
7 group sessions per person.

Call 780-955-6421 for more information.

Parent Council Corner

Check out the minutes from the last PTA Meeting here

Calling all Grade 11 Students!
150+ Scholarships are now available.

APPLICATION DATES: DECEMBER 1, 2023 - MARCH 15, 2024

The Horatio Alger Association of Canada scholarships for grade 11 students just opened and we wanted to share this with you with the hopes you may know some eligible students!

Every year we have over 150 scholarships available to students at up to $10,000 each for students that display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and wanting to pursue higher education.

Scholarships are available for those entering undergraduate degrees as well as vocational & technical programs.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be enrolled full time as a grade 11 student or first-year CEGEP student in Canada
Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university
Demonstrate critical financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
Demonstrate desire and ability to be entrepreneurial in a chosen field
Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
Maintain a minimum grade percentage average of 70
Be a Canadian citizen

NAIT: Program Previews
February & March 2024

- Registration is now open for NAIT’s Program Previews events on campus in February and March 2024. Click the TIME to register!
  - School of Applied Sciences & Technology: Wednesday, February 28 (5:30-8:00pm)
  - School of Health & Life Sciences: Saturday, March 9 (starts at 8:30am)
  - School of Skilled Trades: Saturday, March 16 (9am-2pm)
- Get a deeper dive into our schools and programs, entrance requirements and student supports. Plus, discover how NAIT grads are prepared with real skills and relevant knowledge to hit the ground running in their careers.
- Students can register to attend any one of our Program Preview events below and get entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!

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 February 7 so orders are due February 5

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..

February 6--Taco in a Bag

February 13--Pancakes and Sausage

February 16--Pizza

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.

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

February 5 and 15

March 4 and 13

Marmot Basin--March 21/22--forms are up on Power School

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