Important Dates to Remember

Monday, November 6: Q1 Marks Available
Thursday, November 9: Retake Day
Friday, November 10: Remembrance Day Ceremony
November 13-17: November Break
November 28-29: Grad Photos (see booking information below)

Principal's Report

This last week has a busy one,. Between our October/Halloween assembly, PD day, and a visit from AHS's addictions specialist, who presented to all grades, there's been something happening every day. If you've had a look at the "Important Dates" above, you'll notice next week shaping up to be just as busy as we move into Fall Break.

Looking outside it seems like almost all the snow is gone, looking inside I know it has. The corridors are full of mud. Mrs. Dutton works hard to keep our school looking good and any help we can give her by avoiding the mud out in the community would be appreciated.

Lastly, speaking of footwear, I see a lot of fancy and utilitarian cowboy boots in the halls on a regular basis. These are likely ideal for most purposes, however, one area I'd like to see them less or, ideally, not at all, is during gym class. If you and/or your student have appropriate footwear available please encourage that they be worn/wear them.

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.

Silk Screening

Students in Mrs G;'s computer option had lots of fun learning how to use the silk screen machine.

Next In Trades: A Day in the Trades at NAIT
Try different trades on Saturday, November 18!
Register Now!

At Next in Trades, you'll get the chance to meet with NAIT graduates, staff and industry members who will share their experiences and journeys in the skilled trades.
See a video here!
Attend hands-on workshops taught by current NAIT instructors in a trade that interests you. You will be able to pick your top 4 career choices from the list below and be scheduled in one of those choices plus 3 other amazing trades to try during the day. Our workshops that will give you a glimpse into future careers include: Automotive Service Technician, Carpenter, Culinary Arts/Baking and Pastry Arts/Professional Meat cutting and Merchandise, Electrician, Glazier, Heavy Equipment Technician, HVAC & RCAM, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Instrumentation, Insulator, Ironworker, Machinist/Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technician, Millwork (Cabinetmaking), Plumber, Sheet Metal Worker.

Post-Secondary Lowdown - Open Houses are starting... make sure you sign up in advance!

Open Houses are a great way to see campuses, learn about different programs and in some cases apply for free or win tuition!
- Portage College: Monday, November 6, 2023 Lac La Biche Campus - Registration Open
- Portage College: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 St. Paul Campus - Registration Open
- Portage College: Wed, November 8, 2023 Cold Lake Campus - Registration Open

Halloween Activities

Halloween spirit was alive and well at TJSHS on Tuesday. Check out some of the costumes and games. Congratulations to Team Purple who have leapt into the lead with 16 points!

Grad Photo Sign Up

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT:

High School: Thorsby Jr Sr High School

Portrait Sittings: November 28 and 29, 2023

Location: Cos Lab or Library

Note: Please come to your session 5 minutes prior to start time.

Click to book: prestigeportraits.ca

If you have any questions regarding booking an appointment or what to expect please contact the photographer directly at: 780-437-2431

Christmas Elves & Santa's Helpers

Do you or does someone you know need a helping hand from the elves this Christmas season? Christmas Elves and Santa’s Helpers provide food and toys to people in need with the help of community donations.

Make a confidential referral to your local coordinator (see poster to the left!)

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!
- Alternatively, there will be a Battery Round Up on Saturday, November 25th from 10:00am-2:00pm.
- Parents: If your grad would like to participate in pick ups on Nov 25th, please send Kelley Probe an email to jkprobe@telus.net with their name and a contact cell number
Purdy's Chocolates - Grad 2024 (deadline November 20, 2023)
- Who doesn't love chocolate?! Reach out to any graduate to order some yummy goodies. GREAT ideas for stocking stuffers, family gift exchanges & group gift exchanges! Will be here in time for Christmas. (Order forms and online ordering coming soon!)

Growing Smiles Christmas Fundraiser - Grad 2024 (deadline November 20, 2023)
- Poinsettias, wreaths and more in time for Christmas. Orders can be placed online or a hard copy order form is available in the office.
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 November 8 so orders are due November 6

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..

October 31: Pizza pops and jello

November 4: Grilled cheese

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 will be up on Power School this week.

December 8 and 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