Friday, April 17

Important Dates to Remember

April

18: Good Friday (School Closed)

21: Easter Monday (School Closed)

22: Professional Learning Day (No Classes)

26: Summer School Registration Opens

Happy Easter

From the staff and students at TJSHS we wish you a very Happy Easter. Just a reminder that there is no school on Tuesday, April 22 as the teachers are participating in a PD Day. We will see you all on Wednesday, April 23.

Active Fundraisers

Grad 2026 - Growing Smiles Flowers

Get ready to plant your gardens and planters!

Place your order online using this link.

Deadline to Order: April 25

Delivery Date: May 3

Next Chapter Chronicles

Jr and Sr Theatrical Makeup in Cos

Grade 8 Field Trip to Reynold's Museum

Check out some pictures from the Grade 8 Field trip to the Reynold's Museum in Wetaskiwin this week

Junior High Badminton

Our junior high badminton team played in the Black Gold Central Zone tournament this week. We had teams entered in all 5 categories and our players did a great job representing our school with good sportsmanship and even better attitudes.

Way to go, Sabres!!

Shop Pictures

Summer School

Registration opens at 9am on Saturday, April 26
Registration is completed through the parent portal
This link shows you what is available as module based
This link shows you what is available classroom based
Please note that for many courses registration does fill up! Ensure to login to avoid disappointment.

New Book Alert!!

New in the Library: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games return with a powerful new prequel! Sunrise on the Reaping follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he’s forced into the brutal 50th Hunger Games—where twice as many tributes are sent into the arena. Set years before Katniss, this story dives deep into Haymitch’s past, his fight for survival, and the early sparks of rebellion.
Now available in the school library—come grab it before it’s gone!

Centre Stage: Scholarships

Upcoming Scholarship Opportunities – Apply Now!

Are you planning to pursue post-secondary studies and looking for ways to help fund your education? Check out these two fantastic scholarship opportunities open to Canadian high school students:
🔹 H&R Block Future Finance Experts Scholarship
Value: $3,000 | Awards Available: 10 | Deadline: April 25, 2025
In partnership with myBlueprint, H&R Block is offering ten scholarships to support students heading to post-secondary school. This award recognizes the importance of financial literacy and supports students’ future success by helping cover tuition and other education-related costs.
How to apply: Visit the https://education.myblueprint.ca/hrblock
🔹 Bayer Fund Opportunity Scholarship
Value: $5,000 | Awards Available: 12 | Deadline: April 30, 2025
Planning to study agriculture, food science, or a related field? Bayer Crop Science is awarding twelve scholarships to students entering a diploma or degree program in these areas. Academic achievement, community leadership, and passion for the future of food and farming are key selection criteria. Preference will be given to two applicants of Indigenous heritage.
How to apply: Visit the https://www.cropscience.bayer.ca/scholarship
Don’t miss out—take the time to apply and invest in your future!

🎮🎨 NAIT Digital Media & IT Info Night – May 21

Thinking about a future in digital media or information technology? Don’t miss this upcoming Zoom webinar hosted by NAIT on May 21, 2025, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM (MT).

Learn about NAIT’s exciting new programs launching this fall, including:

Digital Design – Web Design
Digital Design – Visual Communication Design
Game Development – Animation & Game Design
Game Development – Game Programming
IT Business Analysis
IT Systems Administration
Narrative Cinema Production
Software Development

Whether you're interested in creating immersive games, designing user-friendly websites, or building software, this session is for you!

Who should attend?
Anyone curious about careers in digital media or IT—students, parents, and educators welcome!

📝 Registration opens soon – stay tuned!
More info and event details: https://naitcrm1.my.salesforce-sites.com/event/home/startacareerindigitalmediaandit

Career Opportunity: Health Care Aide

Earn While You Learn: Health Care Aide Training Opportunity for Graduating Students
Are you a Grade 12 student interested in a rewarding career in healthcare? Alberta Health Services (AHS) offers a unique Health Care Aide (HCA) Training Program designed for individuals in rural and remote areas. This "earn while you learn" program allows students to gain hands-on experience while working towards their HCA certification—with tuition fully covered!
Participants receive professional training, mentorship from healthcare professionals, and a paid position while completing the 12-month program. Upon completion, students commit to working in the role for 24 months, providing essential care and support to patients in various healthcare settings.
No prior healthcare experience is required—just a commitment to learning and making a difference in your community! If you’re interested, check out available positions at ahs.ca/Careers or contact HCA.info@ahs.ca for more details.

careers-hca-training-program-primer.pdf

Student Scholarships Website

This website provides access to thousands of scholarships, bursaries and grants.
Includes a section called "Easy Scholarships." These are all high value awards that take less than two minutes to complete.
Includes a section called "New Scholarships," whereby you can enter a profile and it will select appropriate scholarships that meet your requirements.

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.

Spotlight on myBlueprint: Skilled Trades Pathway Planning

Are you considering a career in the skilled trades? myBlueprint’s Skilled Trades Pathway Planning is an excellent resource to help students and families explore career options, understand different pathways into the trades, and take the next steps—whether you're just starting high school or preparing to graduate.

This user-friendly tool outlines multiple entry points into skilled trades careers, including apprenticeships, college programs, and direct-to-work options. It’s never too early to start planning for the future!

Click on the link below to explore the Pathway Planning Guide and start mapping out your path today.

Skilled Trades Pathway Planning Link

Weekly Round Up

Supporting Mental Health

The holidays can be a time of joy, but they can also bring stress, overwhelming anxiety, or loneliness. It’s important to remember: you are not alone.

We’ve gathered some resources to help you prioritize your mental well-being during this season should you need support.

Take a moment for yourself this season. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is always available.

Same Website-New Look!

Make sure you check out the TJSHS website! It has a new look and hopefully it will be easier for parents and guardians to navigate. tjshs.blackgold.ca

PTA Corner

Check out the minutes from the PTA AGM meeting here.

Check out the minutes from the PTA meeting here

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

myPass - Get signed up!

We are seeking to ensure all grade 11 and 12 students have access by the end of semester one and that grade 10 students have access by the end of semester two!
myPass is essential for students as they enter high school. All students need to create an account so they can:
myPass is an Alberta Education self-service website for students to:
- - Order high school transcripts in English and French
  - View diploma exam marks
  - Register to write or rewrite diploma exams with online payment
  - View and print Detailed Academic Reports (DAR) (can be used as an unofficial transcript)
  - View progress towards a credential (diploma or certificate)
  - Order additional copies of an awarded credential in English or French
  - Receive notifications for important messages
Watch the videos to learn how to get an account AND to ensure you understand what the service is!

MyBlueprint Parent Fact Sheet copy.pdf

myBlueprint Parent Accounts

Stay connected with your child's future planning by creating a family account on myBlueprint! This interactive tool allows you to view your child's goals, career interests, and progress toward graduation. With read-only access, you can follow their journey and offer support by leaving comments and receiving updates from their teachers.

Hot Lunch

Hot lunch coupons are again available for purchase through your PowerSchool account. Orders must be placed in the front office by 9am and must be paid for using a coupon. No cash accepted.

April 25: Taco in a Bag

April 29: Meatballs, Mashed and Gravy

Subway Fundraiser

Subway is back for this week. Orders are due on Monday, April 21 at 10:00 am. Subs are $5.50 and can be purchased online.

School Zones In Effect

Morning drop off and afternoon pick up can be frantic at times; we have had several near misses this week that we would like to prevent moving forward.

Please remember the following in the school zone to ensure the safety of our students:

The High School side is solely for drop off by busses.
If a student is injured and needs easier access to the school, please pull into the high school parking lot for drop off at the parking lot door.
- Subsequently, students, please be patient in the parking lot.
Please do not U-Turn in the school zone. Utilize the key at the top of the road to turn around.
Please ensure students have fully crossed the street before proceeding to drive across the crosswalk.
Please do not let your child(ren) out when you are stopped for the students crossing the crosswalk. Please ensure you are pulled over to avoid further delaying traffic and for pedestrian safety.
Everyone must cross the road at the crosswalk.
Students are not to cross in front of busses or between busses. They are to proceed to the elementary crosswalk and then across the high school crosswalk.
Please yield to busses.

Neighbourhood Driveways

Around the school there are several driveways and areas where bylaw has said they will ticket people parking. For example, on both sides of the street at the entrance to our cul-de-sac, and now also on the high school side of the road outside the new house.

It's also important for student safety, at pick up and drop off time especially, that the area on the town side of the crosswalk is kept free of cars to allow for maximum visibility of students crossing the street.

Please keep this in mind when making your parking decisions around the school.

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.

Student Accident Insurance

Black Gold School Division's insurance company provides a student accident plan that parents/guardians can purchase on a voluntary basis.

For more information about the type of coverage offered on this please check out the link below.

https://mailchi.mp/dab1b0ba2260/kick-off-the-school-year-with-some-peace-of-mind-4087032?e=2f866b99a1

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

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 via ministerial order #014/2024. Black Gold Schools have been developing policies and guidelines to support this announcement over the summer and we know parents will need to be partners in making this happen.

Some ideas to become accustomed to this reduced screen time can be:

Using the “Do Not Disturb” or "Airplane" mode to 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.