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Friday September 12, 2025
Important Dates to Remember
Important Dates to Remember
September
15: Parent Council Meeting at 5:15pm
19: Professional Learning Day (No Classes)
22: Credit Recovery Final Work Submission
26: Terry Fox Run
29: Orange Shirt Day
30: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Day in Lieu - Schools Closed)
Assistant Principal's Report
Assistant Principal's Report
I often see posts on Facebook about the "greatest athlete of all time (the GOAT)" and frequently the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Connor McDavid, Michael Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Simone Biles, or Michael Phelps are mentioned. By definition, according to The Oxford Dictionary, an athlete is "a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise." What I see in the list above is people proficient at their sports. Medal winners. Trophy winners. Some of them overcame adversity - others did not. Nothing against these athletes, but there is someone who shines even brighter in my mind.
The second half of the definition is "other forms of physical exercise." How about a marathon runner? Terry Fox ran the equivalent of a marathon (which is 42 km - Beaumont is 45km away from the school for perspective) every day for 143 days. I know some marathon runners; they prep, then they run, and then they recover. Terry didn't have prep days or recovery days - he just kept going... all while battling cancer, with a prosthetic leg, and uniting a nation in raising funds for cancer research. Since his passing, Canadians nationwide have joined forces in September to continue his run - his vision - his hopes - his dream.
TJSHS students will run on Friday, September 26 with the goal of raising at least $1000. I would venture that all students in our school have been impacted by someone in their lives having cancer at some point. We give the kids stickers each year that say "I am running for ______________," and it is rare a student has to think about who they are running for. I know this year, I personally will participate in memory of several people, but more so for the friends in my life who are currently battling a variety of cancers - from lung, to bone, to brain tumour - cancer is rampant. Raising funds to support research that may save their lives is the least I can do and hopefully something our school community will continue to embrace.
The Terry Fox Foundation diverts approximately 74 cents of every dollar raised towards cancer research and program supports. Only 26 cents is used for fundraising purposes and administration, making it one of the most efficient charities to donate to! Students can bring cash to school or online donations can be made here..
School Zones In Effect
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 and those with disability placards/license plates. If you are dropping off, please pull past the sidewalk.
The speed limit is 15 km/h just before the sidewalk.
Please do not park on the crosswalk. This tends to happen when the busses start pulling out of the parking lot.
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 use the student drop-off on the elementary side 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.
Student Verifications
Student Verifications
Please be sure to go into your child's Powerschool account and fill out the Student Verification form. One part of the form is the walking form. Students need this signed in order to take part in the Terry Fox Run on September 26.
Cellphones 2025-2026
Cellphones 2025-2026
On June 17, 2024, 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.
Next Chapter Chronicles
myPass - Get signed up!
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!
Transportation
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.
MyBlueprint Parent Fact Sheet copy.pdfmyBlueprint 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.
Subway Lunch
Subway Lunch
We are once again offering 6 inch subs from Subway on Wednesdays. Subs are $5.50 each and the forms are up on Powerschool. Next Sub day is September 17
Student Accident Insurance
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.
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
Click on this link to check out the Board Highlights for Black Gold Schools
Community Events
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