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Friday August 30
Important Dates to Remember
Important Dates to Remember
September 2: Labour Day (Schools Closed)
September 16: Parent Council Meeting @ 5:15pm
September 20: PD Day (No Classes)
September 30: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Schools Closed)
October 10: Parent Teacher interviews
October 11: PD Day (No Classes)
October 14: Thanksgiving Day (Schools Closed)
Principal's Report
Principal's Report
I'm not saying starting school is a bit like dealing with a wasp's nest I'm also not saying it's not like dealing with a wasp's nest.
Ways in which starting the school year is like a wasp's nest:
things are coming at you from all angles
there are clear indications you've done something the wrong way
it's very exciting
Ways in which starting the school year is not like a wasp's nest:
You're not dealing with wasps
I think kids are more like bees than wasps, helpful, industrious, and productive when treated right.
As staff of Thorsby School we recognise that not all kids are the same, and exactly what "treated right" looks varies a lot from student to student, and even from year to year.
We're excited to learn and relearn all about the students we have in the school, and we're also hopeful that together with you we can help them to be all the things they aspire to be.
What this means is that this is a partnership and we're looking forward to working with you in the 2024-2025 school year.
Neighbourhood Driveways
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.
Cellphone Changes 2024-2025
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.
Welcome Baby Jason!
Welcome Baby Jason!
Say Hello! to our newest Sabre!
Mrs. Sauer and her husband welcomed their son, Jason, this summer.
Welcome Mrs. Bend!
Welcome Mrs. Bend!
My name is Shelby Bend. I have been teaching Biology, Chemistry and general science for 10 years and am excited to share my love of science and hands on learning with the kids. My family recently moved to an acreage on the Devon river valley and when I am not at school I enjoy exploring nature and going on adventures with my husband and two kids- Maisy and Phineas. I am excited and honored to join the TJSHS team this year and get to know all of the students and families here!
Welcome Ms Hanson!
Welcome Ms Hanson!
Hi there! My name is Robin Hanson, and not only is it my first year teaching at Thorsby, but it's my first official year teaching since graduating in June! I have a previous degree from the University of Alberta majoring in Psychology, and I love learning about as much as I can. I am teaching Junior High Language Arts and Social Studies, as well as some fun options like Outdoor Ed, Sports Medicine, and Basketball!
When I am not at school, I am reading or hanging out with my lovely family and friends!"
Coaching Volunteers
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
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.
Next Chapter Chronicles: Post-Secondary Spotlight
Centre Stage: Scholarships
Centre Stage: Scholarships
Weekly Round Up
Parent Council Corner
Parent Council Corner
Check out the minutes from the last PTA Meeting here
PTA has kicked off this year's fundraising with a 50/50 cash raffle. We hope to raise enough money for a seacan for storage. We are busting at the seams! Please support our PTA. Ticket sales run until September 30. Click on the link before or capture the QR code.
New Canadian Crisis Helpline - 988
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
Work Ex and RAP Programs
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
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
Bus App
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
Yearbooks
We still have lots of yearbooks in stock. Please come in and buy one! Also, you can preorder next year's yearbook for $35.00
Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
The bell schedule will shift by one minute at the start of the day next year! The warning bell will go at 8:23 and class will start at 8:26am.
Community Events
Spirit of Thor'sby
Spirit of Thor'sby
Our Grad 2025 class will be hosting a BBQ at Taylor Park on Saturday September 7 in conjuction with the Spirit of Thor'sby festival. BBQ will run from 4-8 pm. Come down and buy a burger or two!
Check out the Fair in Thorsby!
Check out the Fair in Thorsby!
Friday September 6: 3-11:00 pm
Saturday September 7: noon - 11:00 pm
Sunday September 8: noon - 5:00 pm
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