Important Dates to Remember

Monday, January 22: Math 30-1 & Math 30-2 Diploma

Tuesday, January 23: English 30-1 & 30-2 Part B Diploma Exam

Tuesday, January 23: Last Day of Senior High Classes

Wednesday, January 24: Social 20-1 & 20-2 Final Exams

Wednesday, January 24: Last Day of Junior High Classes

Principal's Report

Happy New Year!

Our first week back was certainly a memorable one and the photo to the left encapsulates almost all of it.

Snow, along with our new neighbours, and temperatures colder than I've experienced since moving south from Fort McMurray.

While the blistering temperatures are a curiosity for some, I know a lot of you with farms and wells are facing some challenging days ahead. I hope you're able to stay on top of things and can get the help you need.

Coming up on January 15th, our Black Gold Rural Schools Engagement survey will "go live" as the cool kids say. The survey is not a replacement for the government's Assurance Survey (see below), its's a survey that gives stakeholders an opportunity to share their thoughts about the school in a way that's personalized to our particular circumstances.

The link below will take you to that survey, but keep in mind, you will not be able to complete it until the 15th. You may also see posters around the town encouraging you to complete this short survey with navigation provided via a QR code.

We hope you'll fill one out.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bgsd2024checkin-tjshs

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.

Junior High Students: the form that enables you to get out of Study Hall and go home in the afternoon after your exam is now up on Power School

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

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.

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!
  - JR Shaw School of Business: Thursday, February 1 (5:30-7:30pm)
  - 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!

Alberta Education Assurance Survey

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.

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 January 17 so orders are due January 15

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..

January 16--Pancakes and Sausage

January 19--Grilled cheese

January 23--Burgers

January 26--Nuggs and Nachos

January 30--Pizza pops and Jello

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

Next Ski Club is January 18: forms and payment are due by noon on Monday January 15

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