Cellphone Changes 2024-2025

On June 17, the Minister of Education for Alberta announced the ban of cellphones in kindergarten to grade 12 starting in the fall.  Black Gold Schools will be developing policies and guidelines to support this announcement over the summer and we know parents will need to be partners in making this happen.

Over the summer, we encourage students, with the support of their parents, to reduce their screen time during the day in anticipation of this change..  Some ideas to reduce screen time include:

• The “Do Not Disturb” or "Airplane" mode can help you set boundaries and signal that it may take you a while to respond.

• Do not charge your phone in the bedroom.  This will improve sleep quality and reduce screen time.

• Turn off notifications.

• Remove distraction-based apps from your home screen.

• Identify triggers that cause you to open and/or check your phone.

• Log each family members screen time and reward the person with the lowest screen time each week.

  • Alternatively, reward anyone who reduces their screen time.

• Create a phone free zone somewhere in the house.

• Electronic free mealtimes.

• Use the phone only as a phone.  Make phone calls.  That's it.  

Coaching Volunteers

Calling all enthusiastic parents! We are excited to invite parents who are passionate about sports and mentoring to consider coaching opportunities for our junior boys' basketball team this upcoming season, running from December through mid-March. Additionally, depending on player interest, we may also be seeking a coach for our boys' volleyball team. Sports play a vital role in our school community, fostering teamwork, discipline, and school spirit. 

If you're interested in shaping young athletes and making a difference, please contact Dakota Heise at dakota.heise@gshare.blackgold.ca. Your involvement will make a significant impact on our students' athletic journey! Whether you're interested in basketball, volleyball, or assisting with any other team, we are happy to have you join us.

Seeking Host Families - Fall 2024

• • For the third year in a row, students from Colombia will once again be joining the Black Gold family for four weeks in the fall.

  • We are currently seeking families of students in grade 6-11 who are willing to host an international student for four weeks.

  • Host families will receive a stipend to help cover costs during the student's stay.

  • Host families are able to provide the following: 

    • a private bedroom that includes a window, bed, dresser, closet, table, lamp, and desk. 

    • Access to laundry and bathroom facilities are also required. 

    • For high school students, access to a computer with internet access is preferred.

    • Provide three well balanced, nourishing meals and snacks daily.

    • Provide transportation to and from extracurricular activities.

    • Ensure that you carry adequate home insurance coverage (details in the host family package).

    • Judicious and caring parenting, treating the student as a member of the family.

    • Criminal record check and vulnerable sector check for each adult member living in the home, or who may be staying overnight in the home during the student’s stay.

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.

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